Rica Perajelo’s Mishap With a Contractor + Tips on How to Choose the Right Contractor for You

When undertaking a major home project, you can expect to spend much of your time, effort, and money, which can lead to a lot of stress. It can, however, also be very exciting, especially if you’re working with the right people for the job.

Rica Perajelo was initially enthusiastic about her home renovation. Unfortunately, she the contractor she hired for the job dropped the ball, turning her home renovation dream into a total nightmare. In a video in her YouTube channel, she shared several lapses that cost her both time and finances, such as too-narrow doorways and insufficient spaces for specific appliances, which happened even after she had provided them with the proper measurements. She also talked about how the renovation was delayed by six months, and how workers would come at around 11:00 AM and leave at 2:00 PM, which repeatedly occurred even after the contractor promised to do something about it.

Probably the most stressful part of the situation was when Rica discovered that the contractor was not keeping track of how much she had paid them and how much their expenditures were. To add insult to injury, the contractor could only provide an old costing sheet, which showed that there was no monitoring or documentation.

This incident can happen to any home owner, and sadly, there are times when those whom you trust are actually the ones who would take advantage of you. To help lessen your chances of having a renovation nightmare, we recommend contacting at least three contractors through a video call to ask relevant questions. Use this session to compare their attitudes, quotations, and track records.  You can also consider word-of-mouth reviews to ensure that you’re choosing the right person for the job.

Here are qualities that your top pick should have:

Has a license 

During the interview, make sure to ask the contractor if he’s licensed. If unlicensed, the contractor can destroy a part of your home or leave the project anytime without any liability.  

Has an excellent track record 

Do your research and look at online reviews about the contractor. You can also get honest word-of-mouth reviews by asking people that have hired him in the past. It’s also up to you if you want to take a chance on a promising newbie.  

Is easy to communicate with

Keep in mind that you’ll be working with this contractor for quite a while, so you want to hire someone who has a good attitude, is easy to contact, answers your questions, and gives you regular updates on the construction’s progress.  

Gives an honest and reasonable quotation

Before hiring the contractor, you can ask people who have hired contractors recently to get a good idea of the rates. Be wary of a contractor that gives a quotation that is either too high or too low. To help your potential contractors provide a more accurate quote, however, you can give them a thorough and detailed list of your project goals.   

Agrees to contracts and written agreements 

Be sure to have all of your agreements in writing, and make sure that the contractor signs them. Doing so will ensure that the contractor will hold up his end of the bargain.  

Ensures that the workers complete their tasks with excellent craftsmanship 

Ask the contractor if he will go to the construction site every day to oversee the labor. If not, then there should be a representative who can check for the site's daily progress.

Keeps a record of project progress

Your contractor should have a system to monitor flow, as well as materials bought and used.