Arlington rental property owners must constantly look for ways to improve their
investment properties. You need a great team of contractors and vendors to work with you on repairs, improvements, and even preventative maintenance issues. If you don’t already have a strong network of reliable and cost-effective professionals in place, you’ll need to do some relationship building so you have access to a good team.
Before you hire a contractor, there are some important questions to ask. Let’s take a look at some of the best starting points.
Ask About Experience
It’s important to know how much experience the contractor has with the specific job you need done. Are they familiar with the work that’s required? Have they done similar jobs before? Do they understand the unique nature of
rental properties, and the habitability standards that must be met?
Ask for references from past clients and read referrals and reviews. When you understand their level of experience, you know what you can expect in terms of what they’re able to accomplish. You’ll need to know how they handle parts of the project that they aren’t necessarily qualified to complete. Do they have a team of experts in different areas or do they hire subcontractors?
Work With Licensed and Insured Contractors Only
To protect your property and yourself, insist on working with only licensed and insured contractors.
Wanting to save money on cheaper labor is understandable, but there’s a lot of liability on your plate when you work with unlicensed people. Check for insurance and licensure.
If something goes wrong during the project, your contractor’s insurance will save you from claims and lawsuits. Verify that the license you’re provided is valid and up to date.
Ask About Timelines for Work on Arlington Rental Homes
You’ll need to know how quickly your contractor can work. Will your project be their only job, or do they travel between multiple worksites during the course of a day and/or week? Ask the contractor how long they think it will take them and then add an extra week or two in case anything unexpected pops up while the work is being completed. We always recommend over-budgeting when it comes to time and money.
How Do They Guarantee Their Work?
Find a trustworthy partner when hiring a contractor. Knowing what kind of experience they have with your specific job, whether they're insured & licensed, how long it'll take them to complete their task, and if there are any warranties offered should all factor into your decision-making process when you’re deciding who to work with.
If you need contractor referrals or any help with this process, please contact us at Arlington Realty Property Management.
