One of the most significant decisions homeowners need to make when planning a home improvement project is whether to use local contractors or national companies. So when there’s so much money on the line, and so much trust involved, it’s essential to answer: What are the benefits of hiring local contractors?
Local contractors can usually provide more individualized attention, they can be easier to hold accountable, and they generally respond quicker to your phone call than national chains.
While this quick answer highlights the main benefits, there’s much more to consider. Local contractors can offer unique advantages in various situations, from emergency repairs to long-term renovation projects. Understanding these specific scenarios can help you make the best choice for your particular needs.
How Do Local Contractors Handle Emergency Repairs?
One of the big benefits of hiring a contractor in your local area is that they respond very quickly to emergencies. Local companies are more readily available to provide personal service, and they can help you eliminate bed bugs within 24 hours of your call. They’re part of your local community and are familiar with local weather conditions and building codes — a recipe for fast repairs to suddenly urgent matters such as roof leaks, plumbing issues, or wind damage.
Local contractors have established relationships with suppliers and subcontractors in the area, and can often find emergency materials and extra help within a short driving distance. And during emergencies when time is of the essence, that local network of connections becomes priceless. They also know the common problems that plague homes in your area, whether it’s problems with a foundation due to your area’s soil type or roofing issues thanks to the area’s weather patterns.
What Makes Local Contractors More Accountable?
Local vendors establish a reputation within the community they serve and are therefore somewhat more accountable for their work. They trust word-of-mouth recommendations and local reviews, which gives them an incentive to keep good relations with their customers. You can also quickly confirm their brick and mortar office, determine their status with all nearby bureaus, and visit their completed roof jobs.
This local existence also helps to address any problems that occur during or after the project. When things go wrong, you know where they are, and they cannot simply be sent to another home. Local contractors know that their reputation within the community is essentially their livelihood, so they’re usually more responsive to complaints and more proactive about making things right when something goes wrong.
This local existence also helps to address any problems that occur during or after the project. When things go wrong, you know where they are, and they cannot simply be sent to another home. Local contractors know that their reputation within the community is essentially their livelihood, so they’re usually more responsive to complaints and more proactive about making things right when something goes wrong.
How Do Local Contractors Impact The Community Economy?
The benefits of working with a local contractor extend beyond the immediate project. When you shop locally, 68 percent of your money stays in the local community, versus 43 percent when you shop national chains. Local contractors usually use local suppliers, hire local labourers and pay local taxes, which is good for the health of your economy.
They’re also more likely to appreciate and maintain the architectural character of your neighborhood, which means they’re upholding or even enhancing local property values. Local contractors have a deep appreciation for the area’s building styles and historical significance, which helps maintain the unique character that makes communities desirable places to live. This attention to local aesthetics and building traditions often results in work that better integrates with existing neighborhood architecture.
What Should You Look For When Verifying A Local Contractor’s Credentials?
Local contractors, even those with strong ties to the community, should also be vetted appropriately. Begin by verifying their business license in your local area and that they are properly insured to work in your specific geographic location. Request references from recent local jobs and allow time actually to drive out to these completed jobs. Local contractors also need to be licensed with your state’s contractors board and have any special certifications required for your specific project.
Unlike national chains, you can usually also speak directly with the owner in person about your project, making you feel even more confident in their work. Make the most of this one-on-one access by asking them pointed questions about their past experiences with similar projects, how they approach problem-solving, and then, lastly, gauge their sense of timing. This face time also enables you to get a sense of how professional they are, their level of communication skills, and whether you feel comfortable working with them on a project that could last several months.
How Can You Negotiate Effectively With Local Contractors?
It’s typically easier to negotiate with local contractors than with national ones, which often have set prices. But it is crucial to handle negotiations with a sense of professionalism and fair-mindedness. Begin by collecting local bids to gauge the market cost of your project. Local contractors are more likely than other contractors to work with your budget, offer a payment plan, or modify the scope of work to fit your needs.
They may also offer deals in the off-season or package services at lower rates because they prioritize building a relationship with local clientele. Keep in mind that the cheapest bid is not always the best option; you should look at the contractor´s reputation, experience, and whether they can do the job as you expect. This will also develop a relationship with a local contractor, who might give you preference on future projects and provide maintenance or warranty support more quickly than those who are far away.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the many advantages of hiring local contractors, start by creating a shortlist of three to four reputable local contractors in your area. Take time this week to check their online reviews, drive by their completed projects, and schedule initial consultations to discuss your specific needs – this hands-on approach will help you find the right local professional who can deliver the quality work and personalized service you deserve.
