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The Pros and Cons of Hiring an Independent Contractor

Published: 09/04/2010 by Patsy Hamilton

Sometimes hiring an independent contractor is a good idea. These guys work for themselves. Their customers are their only bosses. Other times it might not be. Here are the pros and cons.

It is nice to help someone that is self-employed. It makes you feel good. They often work hard for the money and provide excellent service.

Large companies often have too many jobs. That means there is less focus on individual projects. It may take longer to get a job done when you hire a big company, just because there are so many jobs to tend to.

They often have contracts that extend the deadline for project completion in case of the weather or late payment. Customers sometimes think that withholding payment will help get their project completed faster. But, if they read the fine print on their contracts, they realize their mistake.

Weather is a factor that affects big companies and self-employed contractors alike. No one has any control over it. For outside jobs and anything involving concrete, rain delays the completion date.

But, the big companies may give themselves as much as three or four days extra to complete a job delayed by rain. An independent contractor will get back to work as soon as feasibly possible. Your job is the contractor’s livelihood.

Try to get the boss on the line when you are dealing with a big company. It usually involves multiple transfers and long waits on hold, if you can get to speak to him at all. There is something to be said for dealing with the person that is in charge and knowing who will show up to work on your home improvement project day after day. Small is sometimes better.

The only disadvantages associated with dealing with a smaller independent contractor rather than a large company can be avoided. You just need to take the time to do your research.

You should ask for references before you sign a contract or make out a check. You should also take the time to call and check those references.

You should ask to see any relevant licensing, such as electrician’s or plumber’s licenses. You need to make sure that the contractor’s liability and worker's compensation insurance is up to date. This protects you in case a worker is injured while on your property.

A large company will be sure to have all of these things, often in a portfolio for new clients to view. An independent contractor might not.

It is a good idea to find out how long the individual has been in business. What kind of training has he had? If an apprenticeship program was recently completed, find out who he apprenticed under and contact that person for a reference.

Hiring someone to do a job at your home is just like hiring a new employee. If you don’t take the time to check the references, you could end up with a botched job.

The final choice to hire an independent contractor is yours. Don’t feel pressured. It is always best to compare three or four contractors or companies before you make a decision.

Patsy Hamilton is a home improvement journalist at HomeImprovement411.ca. For more great useful home improvement articles please visit: http://www.homeimprovement411.ca

Article Source: http://www.homeimprovement411.ca/article