3 Things You Can Learn from a Plumbing, Electrical, or General Contractor

You might have hired a contractor to complete a specific job, but the relationship doesn't have to stop when the job is done.

If there's good communication between you and your contractor, you might be surprised by unexpected benefits. Besides skill, good contractors have a wealth of experience and knowledge, and many are happy to share what they know.

1. A contractor can help you understand your property

Every property has its own idiosyncrasies. The structure of the building, the heating and cooling system, and the electrical and plumbing systems are part and parcel of a unique package. None of it is new to a seasoned contractor, though, who can help you decipher seemingly unrelated issues.

Want to remove a wall to create space?

A building contractor can inspect your property and explain which walls are bearing and why, based on the structure.

Need to add lights or outlets?

An electrician can help you decipher your house circuitry to determine the best place from which to draw power.

Have water problems?

Get a plumber to pinpoint the source and recommend the most cost-effective repair. If the property is incurring excess energy costs, a general contractor can help you determine whether you need to insulate, upgrade the heating system, or both.

Even though your house is unique, the materials and techniques that went into building it aren't, and contractors have seen them all before in a variety of contexts. They are familiar with traditional materials as well as modern ones and can advise you when upgrading is cost-effective and advantageous.

2. Contractors alert you to code violations

Many properties are a hodgepodge of DIY improvements, many of which were completed without a permit. They may result in amenities that are actually hazardous and expose you to potential liability. For example, consider a set of deck stairs with uneven tread spacing built by a weekend warrior. Someone using them for the first time could trip, and you could end up being liable for the injury. A building contractor will recognize the problem immediately and advise you to fix it.

Code violations create problems when it's time to sell. They can lower resale value and chase away buyers. It's best to correct them before you offer the property, but it often takes the trained eye of a contractor to spot them.

Before you sell, save yourself some grief by hiring a general contractor to look over your property before potential buyers send in an inspector. Even if you decide against correcting the violation, you won't suffer the disadvantage of surprise when the inspection report comes in.

3. A contractor can teach you how to do it yourself

The contractor who will work alongside a property owner is rare. Most prefer—for reasons of liability as well as quality—to work independently.

However, many contractors will happily agree to allow you to complete part of the work on your own. They may even show you what to do. Most jurisdictions have no problem permitting remodeling work completed by property owners, so working on your own property is a great way to learn and gain experience.

Doing your own work isn't always a money-saving strategy, but it can be. For example, suppose you need to install electricity in a new addition. Wiring switches and receptacles is a repetitive task that you can learn from an electrician, who might agree to work in another part of the house while you complete a bedroom. The contractor can check your work when you're done. In addition, certain procedures, such as installing a window or weatherproofing a door, are easier if you learn the proper technique from a seasoned pro.

How to find a good contractor

A contractor's experience can work in your favor, so take advantage of it. Money spent on a consultation during the planning stages of a project or when an emergency arises is money well spent. Of course, this assumes the contractor is competent and not simply trying to drum up business. Here are some ways to separate ethical, reliable contractors from scammers:

• Get the contractor's license number and check it online. If you live in California, you can check license numbers here. Other state licensing boards have similar web portals. They are listed in this general directory.
• Get two or three references from the contractor and contact them.
• Check notice boards at the local lumberyard for ads.
• Ask friends for recommendations.

A good contractor is an asset, and the relationship is one to nurture. When you find one, put the info in your contact list right alongside that of your lawyer, accountant, and other professionals that help you maintain your rental business.