Everyone has heard horror stories about so-called professional service companies and contractors, and many of us have actually lived them. Dealing with these services for your home or business can be a very stressful business. And if you don’t choose the right one, you can end up with fixtures, rooms, and spaces that are difficult to work with. In the worst cases, you may be left with something unlivable.
To add to this, many contractors often take way too much time to finish simple projects, and we’ve all met those who’ve charged us a figure that was well over the estimate.
We’ve outlined a few guidelines on ensuring you choose the best possible professional service company for your home or business. Check out Profix to find out more about professional services.
1.) Choose from a pool of at least three companies
You want to at least find out what your options are. If you’re able to compare at least three, you can get a decent picture of what levels of service you can expect in your area.
2.) Check out online reviews
Nearly all the available professional service companies will have some kind of online presence. Most will have at least a Facebook page, if not their own website. You will also generally be able to see reviews and testimonials on both their social media pages and their site, as well as through third-party review sites. Don’t a couple of negative reviews bother you, because there will always be those. Rather, what you want to look out for is a real trend of negligence or overpricing. Overwhelming numbers of negative reviews or obvious fake reviews should also be seen as a red flag.
3.) Check for certification
Certain types of certification may be needed to perform certain jobs in your area. Make sure the companies you’re considering have these certifications in place before you hire them.
4.) Find out if the employees have had background checks
No one wants strangers in their house if they can help it, even if they do belong to a professional service company. Try to see if the companies you’re considering perform criminal background checks on their employees and discount the ones that don’t.
5.) Get references, if possible
Talk to their current customers, contractors, and whoever else they deal with that you can get hold of. You will get an idea of their strengths as well as an idea if they have high employee attrition or if pay their people on time. What you learn can be important for your own decisions regarding which service companies to choose.
6.) Ask about their insurance policy
Make sure that the company covers its people for untoward incidents and accidents that happen on your property. Try to get a copy of their insurance policy if possible.
7.) Take the time to read through their contract before signing
Unless you’re calling a service company for an emergency repair, you probably have enough time to read through their contract. Given that the service company may be working on your property for weeks, if not months or years, it’s important that their responsibilities, as well as your own, are absolutely clear.
What other tips can you share? Tell us!
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