Hiring contractors form Home Depot or Lowes vs independent contractor

Considering hiring contractors form Home Depot or Lowes vs. independent contractor? Contractors employed with big chains such as Home Depot or Lowes are obliged to purchase material and appliances from them only. They do so because they get commission over every sale they endorse. They are required to choose from items that are present in the company's catalog and work with fewer options. Not to mention the considerable cost difference and lengthier deadlines. 

An independent contractor is accountable for providing all of the material, labor, equipment, and services essential for the construction of the project. The general contractor hires specialized subcontractors to perform all or a part of construction work. 

There are some benefits to hiring an individual contractor, but there are also some disadvantages. It is important to weigh both the pros and cons before choosing your contractor. 

Saving money 

Hiring a contractor saves you from paying additional costs as with employees you are to pay for your share of the employee's social security and Medicare taxes, state unemployment compensation insurance, and worker's compensation insurance. Altogether these expenses can sum up to 20 to 30 percent of additional costs. 

Hiring an independent contractor allows you to have a greater degree of flexibility. He [has the option to choose from a wider range of appliances and materials and doesn’t have a confine to a certain brand. It also helps you work within your budget and use material best suited to your needs as well as pocket-friendly. You can hire an independent contractor knowing that by the med of the job, the workers are going to be gone. You will not have to worry about laying off workers and additional technicalities. 

Independent contractors may also bring greater efficiency and expertise with their work. They have a wide range of experience. Hence they know how to the job done in the given time frame. You can choose a contractor who doesn't have too many tasks at hand at a time so that your work gets done as soon as you want. 

Liability issues 

Hiring a contractor after thorough research, cross-checking their working license and damage insurance coverage, help you trust your contractor with the job more readily as compared to being assigned to a super contractor at Home Depot who further assigns you to a sub-contractor. When the company is responsible for damages and a sub-optimal job, it is hard to sue such big chains even when you are not satisfied with the work. With your independent contractor, it is easy to delegate and reach an understanding as to what exactly you want. 

Timeline 

Many of you may have time on your hands for renovations and installations, but some people are on a timeline. Companies like Home Depot deploy contractors that usually give a minimal time frame of three weeks even to initiate the job. With independent contractors it is easier to figure out a timeline that is feasible for you as well the contractor himself, allowing him to get the job done more easily and on time. 

While choosing an independent contractor, it essential for you to check for his work permit and insurance coverage.  You should be aware of his work experience and should have an understanding of the nature of the job. Even though working with an independent contractor gives you more freedom regarding the way you get things done, it is important to remember that your contractor is not your employee and hence to avoid getting state audits and penalties, exercising precaution is essential. 

Choosing an independent contractor is wiser as compared to working with a contractor assigned to you by Home Depot. 

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