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Things to
consider when hiring a contractor:
Are they licensed?
Make sure the contractor is
properly licensed. Have the contractor show you the license or give you
a copy of it. Check the expiration date as well. If they can't produce a
license then do not hire them.
Do they have
general liability insurance?
This type of insurance
protects your property in case of damage caused by the contractor or his
employees. The insurance company will pay for the cost of replacing and
/ or repairing any damage that may occur.
Do they offer free
estimates?
Ask for a detailed written estimate. If you need a
revision, ask for one. This estimate will become your binding contract
once you sign, so leave nothing to interpretation. If you are obtaining
more than one estimate, take your time to compare all of them. Do some
research and do more than compare price. It is important to compare
their “scope of work”.
Will they obtain
the required building permits?
When the contractor gets
the required building permits, you know the work will be done "to code".
Many homeowner insurance policies require permits on any major
remodeling to keep your home properly covered. Not all contractors do
this, many don't get permits because of the time involved and the hassle
with the inspectors. Some contractors will ask you to get the permit
because they are unlicensed or the work is outside of their license. A
reputable contractor will obtain a permit any time one is needed.
Do they guarantee
their work?
The contractor should
guarantee his work for at least one year from the date of completion.
Some contractors guarantee their work for two or three years.
Do they
provide references?
A good contractor will be happy to
provide you with references. Look for a well established contractor who
can give you several customer references from the past few years.
Will they
keep things clean?
The dust gets everywhere, especially if
any sanding is being done. Make sure the contractor makes an honest
effort to keep the dust contained or notifies you when there will be
heavy dust going on so you can place sheets over furniture or other
items. Make sure the contractor agrees to sweep up and place all
construction debris in a predetermined place or in the trash at the end
of every day.
Once you have narrowed down the field, don’t necessarily go with the
lowest bid. Go with who you feel most comfortable with. If you had a
difficult time with the sales process, imagine the response you will get
if you have a complaint.
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