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Step 1
Ask to actually see a contracting license. Don’t confuse this with a business license. For example, for a remodel job, you’ll want to see the Contractor’s actual proof of license (ie. Class A, B, or C). Your State government’s licensing authority may have an online method for verification.
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Step 2
Ask to see insurance paperwork. Don’t take verbal assurance that the business is insured. If a contractor or subcontractor is injured in your home or business, you’ll regret it. Make sure the insurance is current. You may even want to call the insurance company and verify the currency of the policy.
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Step 3
Ask for references. Any contractor not willing to provide references isn’t worth your time. Call one or two of them to verify the quality of the work, customer satisfaction, etc. Check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if any complaints have been filed against the business and/or log onto www.AngiesList.com or other reputable business rating sites to find out about a Contractor’s service reputation.
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Step 4
Review samples of the Contractor’s past work. If the work is visible from the exterior of a home, ask for an address of a previous job so that you can drive by and see their work first hand. In addition, and especially for interior work, ask to see photos of previous jobs.
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Step 5
Ask about permit responsibilities. Who will pull the permits with the city zoning authorities. Whenever possible, have the Contractor pull the permits. During a project, it’s better to have the professionals
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Step 6
Ask about the payment schedule. Any Contractor wanting large sums of money up front should be suspect. While some jobs may require material purchases on the front end, you should never pay more than 20% up front. Also, the best Contractors will pay on a schedule which will entail payments as major milestones are successfully completed (to your satisfaction).
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Step 7
Ask about a jobsite cleanup plan. During a remodeling project for example, what will be the end of day cleaning routine? What about the end of project cleanup? For example, a roofer should use a magnet or magnetic roller to sweep around the house to remove errant roofing nails from your lawn.
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Step 8
Get it in writing. Make sure you take your time and read the contract. Are all of your project expectations clearly documented? Major remodeling jobs are too expensive to undertake without proper due diligence, and the consequences of taking a careless approach may be costly and overwhelmingly stressful.
Comments
cygnetbrown said
on 8/3/2009 Great information that I wish we'd had when we built our house. Clean up is one of those issues that we don't think about until well into the project.