Tips for Hiring a Commercial Contractor in Texas

July 29, 2021

Businesses across the US need to prepare for natural disasters. In the Midwest, you face tornados. Out West, drought and earthquakes wreak havoc. But one state, in particular, continues to be hit and hit hard by major storms year after year.

Texas routinely faces extreme weather conditions from hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and more. With so many threats looming over the average Texan, business owners will inevitably need to hire a contractor to repair damage to their property in the aftermath of severe weather. Here are a few expert tips for hiring a reputable and trustworthy commercial contractor in Texas.

Do Your Research

While it may seem obvious, it is essential to thoroughly research and vet candidates for contracting work before signing on to work with someone. You may think that anyone with a contracting business makes them qualified. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.

The state requires its contractors to pass the Texas contractor license exam. If the contractor you’re considering doesn’t have this licensing, it’s a red flag.

Talk with colleagues and other professionals in your industry to see if they have any experience with reputable contractors in your area. This is a great place to start because it keeps your options local and provides an understanding of what to expect working with a company from the get-go.

Always ask for references from former clients and follow up with them, asking questions relevant to the work you need. You can also check reviews, licensing, and more through the Better Business Bureau.

Get Multiple Bids

Even if the first contractor you talk to gives you what sounds like a reasonable bid, it is wise to seek multiple bids from various professionals. This process can help you ensure that you are getting the best deal possible and highlight any red flags.

For example, if one contractor’s bid is dramatically lower than the others, this may indicate that they cut corners somewhere. Some discounts and offers, such as the waiving of a deductible payment, are illegal.

When it comes to your business, you want to ensure each detail receives the necessary attention, so choosing the lowest price may not always be the best option.

Get Everything in Writing

When doing business, a verbal promise won’t get you very far. Make sure that you receive all crucial details and agreements in writing from a contractor.

If you discuss a bid in person, request a written and signed copy. It is never too much to ask, and any trustworthy contractor will accommodate this request.

Get information about warranties and guarantees in writing and keep them in your records for at least a few years after the work is complete. If you discuss a specific timeline or any repair plans, you need hard copy evidence of these as well.

Even if someone seems trustworthy, it is better to be safe than sorry. Plus, this way, it’ll be easy to reference documents and remember details later.

Handle Payment Carefully

The way you pay matters. If a contractor requests cash, this should be an automatic red flag. Because contracting work is typically pretty pricey, paying in cash should never be an expectation and can be a sign of a possible scam.

Never pay in full upfront. While reputable contractors should never request the total amount before the work begins, it is crucial to advocate for yourself as well.

Typically, you should never pay more than ⅓ of the total cost before the work begins. You can pay an additional ⅓ during the project, and the final payment should occur once all work is complete.

In Summary

Texans have to face near-annual natural disasters. While these events aren’t in your control, the contractor partnership you choose in the aftermath is. Invest time in choosing a trustworthy contractor, and soon, you’ll be back to business as usual.