Choosing the right contractor can be difficult. Low-cost contractors can be tempting to hire, but they come with risks. Knowing those risks is important. Hiring a low-cost contractor can cost more money over time if the work the contractor does is poor or the job is left unfinished.
The best contractor for the job is not always the contractor with the lowest bid. Below, we'll go over the problems associated with hiring low-cost contractors. We'll also talk about what you can do to avoid hiring the wrong contractor for your home improvement project.
Low-Cost Bids: What to Know
Some low-cost contractors are new and trying to compete with larger, more established contractor businesses. Other low-cost contractors are knowingly cutting corners on expenses like labor and materials. These choices can lead to problems with quality, safety, and professionalism.
If you hire a contractor that underbids your project for whatever reason, you're taking a risk.
Unpredictable Work
Low-cost contractors may have small operations with few team members to help spread the work. They may have trouble keeping up with the work but feel pressure to bid low in order to compete with other companies. Low-cost contractors may also use old tools, poorly maintained vehicles, inexperienced workers, and more. The outcome can be unpredictable. These contractors don't always have the resources to do the job right, so the outcome often depends on luck.
Price May Rise Later
Accurate bidding is a skill not all contractors have, and some contractors underbid without knowing they're doing it. Other contractors do this intentionally to get their bids accepted. As the project moves forward, contractors that underbid must raise the price, leaving homeowners feeling stuck and even cheated.
Cutting Costs with Labor
One way that low-cost contractors control their costs is by hiring unskilled, inexperienced labor.
Good contractors depend on their workers to be dependable and knowledgeable about their trade. They trust their employees to follow directions, be polite to clients, and use their tools properly.
Low-cost contractors put their projects at risk by working with inexperienced employees. The result can be anything from project delays to job site accidents to a poor work product.
Poor Quality Materials
Poor-quality materials may look fine when installed, but they're far less durable. Using poor-quality materials may mean remodeling again much faster than if your contractor had used high-quality materials. It also means more wasted time and energy fixing problems that could have been avoided. Poor quality materials can devalue your home and leave your home looking shoddy.
Lack of License, Insurance, and Regulatory Compliance
Contractors in Connecticut are required to be licensed. To be licensed, they must also carry a bond and insurance. Contractors that don't get the required license, bond, and insurance are putting consumers at risk.
The bond and insurance are there to pay for damages when something goes wrong with your project. Hiring a contractor without these protections is like walking a high wire without a safety net: maybe the project will finish alright, or maybe it won't.
Unsafe Conditions
Contractors that underbid construction projects may be cutting corners in ways that put their workers at risk. Whether their workers are operating without the required personal protective equipment, or their workers are untrained and unprepared, these unsafe conditions can lead to accidents on your property.
The trauma and anxiety of worker accidents may seem like a small risk - until something happens on the job site. Ultimately, it's better to hire a contractor that takes the necessary precautions and protects workers.
If It Seems Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
In some cases, low contractor pricing can be indicative of a scam. While many contractor businesses have good intentions, some do not. Remember the adage that if something seems too good to be true it probably is? Watch out for salespeople who pressure you to act now, offering prices far too low to be fair.
How to Find a Good Contractor in Connecticut
Finding a good contractor is a process. Below are the steps to find a contractor that will do the job right.
- Get referrals from people you trust. If you have family, friends, or neighbors who recently hired a contractor to do similar work on their home, ask them if they would hire that contractor again. If so, contact that contractor in your search.
- Vet multiple contractors. Vet at least three contractors before hiring one to do the job. Compare bids from each contractor. If one bid is especially low, ask why. A very low bid could be a sign of a problem.
- Prioritize contractors with good communication skills. Good communication skills can help prevent disputes and stress during your project. Look for a contractor that listens and asks smart questions while you're discussing your project.
- Look at their portfolio of work. Check the contractor's previous work to see if they've done projects that are similar to yours.
- Check references. Check references for the contractor of your choice, even if that contractor was referred to you by someone you trust.
Want to know more about hiring a contractor in Connecticut? Get help from the professionals. Litchfield Builders has been providing contractor services to homeowners in Connecticut for over 20 years. Download Litchfield Builder's free guide to hiring a professional contractor in Connecticut.
