One day 50,000 years ago, a stone-age dude looked around the cave where he and his family lived and announced “That’s it! I’m going to repaint this whole cave and remodel the kitchen while I’m at it.” His wife was pretty surprised, because their kitchen was just a fire pit with a few clay pots next to it, and she knew that Cave Guy himself had neither the tools nor experience to do either job. And that day was the beginning of the need to find someone qualified to do home improvement projects.
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Nowadays, projects ranging from simple lawn resodding to complex room additions will often require the services of a professional contractor. Choosing the right tex-cote contractor is a crucial decision, not only for the success of the home project, but for the mental and financial well being of you as a homeowner. For those considering a larger or more complicated improvement to their house, consider the following factors:
Vetting the Contractor for Your Project
Look for contractors with a solid reputation and extensive experience in the type of project you’re undertaking. Nowadays everyone tends to check online reviews first, but these reviews can be skewed by both paid shill reviewers and by those with an axe to grind against the contractor in question (this could be one dissatisfied customer with multiple accounts, or unethical competitors). The best option is to find someone you know who has worked with the contractor before and ask them. If you have the chance, try to go to the site of previous jobs done by the contractor and observe in person the work they have done.
First, consider the contractor’s expertise in the specific type of work you need. Some contractors specialize in certain areas like roofing, plumbing, electrical work, or general remodeling. A general contractor can legally do all of these types of work, but in practice many general contractors will sun-contract out parts of large jobs. In some states, subcontractors can file liens on the original owner’s property in case the subcontractor ends up not getting paid. That is a legal and financial mess to be avoided at all costs.
Make sure that any contractor you hire is properly licensed and insured. Most states have online portals where individual and corporate contractor license status can be searched. There are also online verification tools to check the insured status of contractors.
Contracts and Costs
Make sure to get everything in writing, including the scope of work, payment schedule, timeline, and warranties on labor and materials. Review the contract carefully before signing and clarify any terms you don’t understand. Be wary of significantly low bids, as they may lead to subpar workmanship or the use of low-quality materials.
Select Exterior Materials and Coating that Will Last
For home projects that involve room additions or extensive exterior work, choose a contractor that is licensed to work with premium paints and coatings. Coating systems such as Tex-Cote provide protection against weathering and UV radiation, while providing improved energy efficiency. The longevity and reduced cooling costs that result from working with a certified Tex-Cote contractor will save countless dollars in the years that follow.
