AT YOUR SERVICE| SHOP LOCAL

Finding the right contractor can be an overwhelming task. There are the contracts, the timelines and all of the decisions that go along with taking on a home project.

Read on for some tips designed to help you find a great local contractor.

DETERMINE YOUR PROJECT

Contractors can specialize, while handymen and women may be focused on smaller projects. The size and scope of your project will determine what type of professional you need to hire for the job.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, general contractors manage all aspects of a project, including obtaining building permits, scheduling inspections, the actual work and hiring, and overseeing and paying subcontractors. Specialty contractors perform particular services, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters or roofers. Architects design homes' additions or major renovations, but don't do the building work. And design contractors can create the plans and oversee all of the construction work.

Understand your goals before finalizing who is going to do the work for you.

ASK AROUND

Check with friends and neighbors to see who they have used and would recommend for your project. Ask your prospective contractors for photos or videos of their work. Any good contractor should be able to back up their work with quality testimonials and customer success stories. Check websites and review social media profiles to make sure you get a good sense of the contractor's abilities and past work. If your state requires contractors to be licensed, ensure the contractor's license is current.

GET SEVERAL QUOTES

Cost is important to any project but it shouldn't be your only defining factor. Low bids are great, but an estimate that comes in substantially lower than others should be looked at closely. Why the variance? Will the materials come be high quality? Is professional able to give you an itemized list of how their bid breaks down?

These are the types of things to consider when hiring anyone for a job around your home.