Hiring Contractors: What to Look for in a “Scope of Work”

 Sep/08/2019      671 What homeowners should look for in a “scope of work.”

 

When a contractor submits a bid, they should also include a scope of work. It defines what the contractor is going to do for you. When you receive a scope of work, read it carefully to make sure it includes all the things you need completed for your project. It should also describe any prep work, protection tasks, clean up and so on.

If you submit a project through HomeContractors101, you may receive multiple bids to compare. Reviewing the scope of work will help you evaluate estimates and determine with vendor is best for your project.

Below are some specific things to look for in the scope of work you receive from different types of contractors.

Painting Contractors

Your painting contractors should include a scope of work that includes how they will prepare the exterior or interior paint surface. Preparation can make or break a paint project. Simply painting over the area will cause the paint to peel or crack.

The painter should describe what will be involved in preparation, whether it’s scraping loose paint, power washing the exterior, priming or spot priming. The painting contractor should also define how many coats of paint they will do and the type of paint they will use.

The type of paint you use is very important. Indoor paint won’t hold up outdoors, so you need a painter who knows the difference.

Your painter should also provide a plan for how they will protect furniture and surrounding areas that aren’t to be painted.

Landscaping Contractors

Your landscaping contractor should provide you with a scope of work that includes planting your shrubs, trees and plants below the ground. A shallow hole isn’t good enough. It’s also important that your landscaping contractor removes the wire around the root ball.

The installation and life of the plant should be guaranteed for a certain period of time that you agree on. You should also understand what your responsibilities are in terms of care.

Roofing Contractors

The number one reason roofs like is due to flashing failure. Roof flashing acts as a defense against water leakage. It can be made of sheet metal, aluminum or galvanized steel. It is placed around chimneys, plumbing and fan vents, stacks in the roof and over joints to stop water from seeping below the roofing material and into your home.

Make sure your roofing contractor specifies where flashing will be used. If you have a brick home, make sure the contractor cuts the brick joints for the flashing and seals the joints. This is preferred to relying on caulk. If your live where the climate is cooler, make sure your roofer installs a rubber ice and water shield along the edge of your roof at least 24 inches past the exterior wall.

Plumbing Contractors

Plumbing can get expensive quick. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is paying plumbing contractors by the hour. Attempt to negotiate a fixed price upfront. Homeowners pay a premium for plumbing emergencies. Try to keep drain cleaner on hand and a plunger for quick fixes to avoid paying extra.

When it’s time to hire a contractor visit HomeContractors101 and compare bids from qualified contractors in your area.