AllGen Home Improvement Blog 

Introduction

Finding a reliable and skilled contractor in Pensacola or Baldwin County can be a daunting task. With so many options out there, it's important to know where to look and what to look for. Here's a guide to help you find the perfect contractor for your project.

1. Ask for Recommendations

• Friends and Family: People you trust can often provide valuable insights into their own experiences with contractors.

• Local Businesses: Ask local hardware stores, home improvement centers, or real estate agents for recommendations.

• Online Forums and Review Sites: Websites like Yelp, Angie's List, and Houzz can provide reviews and ratings from previous clients.

• Google it: Many contractors have websites (like this one) listed on Google.  They also list their Google Business Profile and get reviews from previous clients.  

2. Do Your Research

• Check Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured to operate in your area. This protects you from potential legal and financial issues.  It can be deceiving when contractors say "licensed and insured".  You need to do the due dilligence to ensure this is an actual contractors license or home builder's license and not a business tax receipt or business license.  You can check licensure in Florida here and in Alabama here.   If they aren't listed there, then they are not licensed.  As for insurance, they should be able to provide you a certificate of general liability.  In Escambia county and the City of Pensacola, any contractor registered has provided the municipality with a certificate of general liability already.  So if they are able to pull a permit in those areas, then you know they have their proper insurances.

• Verify Experience: Look for contractors with experience in the specific type of project you're planning.  Do they have a website or social media page?  Look for pictures or posts about past projects that are similar to what you want to have done.  

• Read Online Reviews: Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews. Look for patterns and red flags.  Remember that almost anyone can leave a review so take single negative reviews with a grain of salt and call it an outlier.  What you want is a history of successful projects and satisfied clients.

3. Get Multiple Quotes:  

• Detailed Scope of Work: Provide a clear and detailed description of your project to ensure all contractors are bidding on the same scope and same specifications.  This means the same material and same job.  If you ask one to estimate a concrete slab and the other to estimate a subfloor, well then you are comparing apples and hang gliders.  

• Compare Pricing and Terms: Consider factors such as pricing, payment terms, and warranties when comparing quotes.  Here is a tip:  The state of Florida now requires contractors to provide a warranty for any new structure they build.  But any contractor should have warranty details as an item in the contract.  If they have no contract, then you probably need to find someone else to do business with.  Be suspicious of unusually low bids.  Chances are they may not be including everything their competitors did or they may not be good business men or women.  

• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions about the contractor's process, timeline, and materials.  What materials are they including?  Where do they source it from?  When can they begin work?  How long should it take?  Is it in the contract?  

4. Interview Potential Contractors

• Meet in Person: Schedule a meeting to discuss your project and get a feel for the contractor's personality and professionalism.

• Ask About References: Request references from previous clients and contact them to get their feedback.

• Discuss Communication and Timeline: Ensure the contractor is responsive, communicates effectively, and has a realistic timeline for your project.

• Visit a jobsite:  What does it look like?  Is the jobsite clean?  A clean jobsite is a safe jobsite.  Is it secured so you can't get inside?  Take this a good sign.  Chances are your project site will also be secured and clean.

5. Sign a Contract

• Detailed Contract: A written contract should outline the scope of work, materials and specifications, timeline, payment schedule, warranty, and dispute resolution process.  

• Review Carefully: Read the contract carefully before signing to avoid any misunderstandings.  Ask questions if you are unclear about something

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a reliable and trustworthy contractor for your home remodel or build. Remember, a good contractor will not only deliver quality work but will also provide a positive, professional experience throughout the process.