All Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth
How to Hire a Contractor
Hiring a contractor for repairs or a upgrade project can be a challenging task on its own, but with the right preparation you can achieve success.
Selecting an Appliance technician is not exactly the same as choosing a painter, builder or an electrical contractor, mainly because of the time he is going to spend on your premises.
The appliance chap is going to be in and out of your space in a short time while the other contractors is going to be around for a couple of days/weeks.
The appliance chap is going to be in and out of your space in a short time while the other contractors is going to be around for a couple of days/weeks.
One of the worst mistake one can make is hiring a contractor with no interview, references or referrals for an emergency repairs. Getting recommendation from friends and family is the safest and easiest method. If they cannot help go to the internet but follow the rules below.
Screening method of a Potential Contractor
- Does he and his business have a internet presence. Facebook will tell how he conducts himself when he isn't working.
- Look for his recommendations and reviews on the internet.
- If his reviews are all good - be aware! Look for ways to see how he handles situations
- Does he have a physical address where his operates from
- Always choose a local stationed contractor
- Ask how long they have been operating
- First impression counts
- Is he on time for appointments
- Does he keep his word when he commits.
- Trust your instincts
Contractor requirements
All new work needs a permit and an inspection from local building inspector.
Contractor must have liability insurance, permits and has workers compensation
If something happens to the contractors workers while he is on your site you could be held responsible
If something happens to the contractors workers while he is on your site you could be held responsible
Get job details in writing!!
Both of you should be on the same page about the job. Define your expectations (you and the contractor).
Make sure you are happy with the terms of your agreements
How long is the job it going to take? Start to Finish.
How many people is going to be on site and for how long
B. Comunication is paramount
in today commincation age its easy to stay in touch, via phone calls, Sms, watsapp or email.
Define what is the communication medium going to be. Don't expect that the Plummer is going to respond to an email in the middle of the day. Same with an electrician, which can't drop the wires to take your call.
If you asked - Did they send you the reports or documentation you asked for
In all fairness if a contractors has explained that he is waiting for a third party action - don't expect a daily feedback
C. Remuneration and payments
Define Payment terms and methods.
As a rule you should not give money upfront but sometimes you do have to pay for special parts that has to be ordered.
Make sure you get some kind of proof like a proforma invoice or a signed document saying for what the funds are going to be used for
D. Rehabilitation
Clean up and tidiness during the operation process - who will be responsible
Protection of landscaping
Rehabilitation after project is completed
E. Avoide cheap
You get what you pay for - you might spend more money fixing problems afterwards.
You get what you pay for - you might spend more money fixing problems afterwards.
F. Guarantee
Workmanship guarantee is only as good as the company's reputation and longevity
Workmanship guarantee is only as good as the company's reputation and longevity
G. Conclusion
Most contractors are hard working and knowledgeable pros who want to do a good job and an informed consumer is often their best customer.
Most contractors are hard working and knowledgeable pros who want to do a good job and an informed consumer is often their best customer.
Before the job starts have a friendly conversation with contractor about any concerns that you might have.
Once the work starts be friendly and don't get in the way.
If you have a concern ask the contractor - don't interfere with how his workers and subcontractors does their job.
Changed order and adding extra will always have extra cost to the end bill.
Changed order of only reenable when you run into unforeseen situation.
One last idea!
What is your comfort level?
If there are an itching feeling, rather walk-away.
Only make final payment once you happy with the completion of the job. If you not happy tell the contractor because he is the one that must make it right.
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