Under this section you will find a wealth of information that you can take advantage of. Please use the links to help you access online sites that will be beneficial in your research stage. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
 

Top 10 Questions to ask before inviting a contractor into your home:


1. Who performs your work? Subcontractors or employees? 
Most will have subcontractors so be sure to get a copy of THEIR Certificate of Insurance and call the agent to verify.


2. Do you carry general liability insurance? 
This will protect your property against any damages caused by the contractor and/or his employees.


3.  Do you carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance? 
Make sure they do. This protects you if a worker is injured while on your property. If they do not have the proper insurance, you may be liable for any injuries suffered by the contractor or any of his employees while on your property.

4. Will you acquire all the required building permits?
In most jurisdictions, the individual who obtains the permit is considered to be the contractor and is, therefore, liable if the work does not comply with local building codes. Let the contractor assume that liability. Many prefer not to pull permits because of the time involved and the “hassle” with some inspectors. But, it’s for your protection. If they ask you to get the permit this could be a warning sign that they are not able to pull the permit because they are unlicensed. We recommend that you do not obtain your permits.    


5. Will you provide me with a written lien waiver?
This will protect you from a third party claim on your home for nonpayment by the contractor and prevents having to pay for the same services or products twice. Request a lien release or lien waiver from your contractor for every subcontractor, vendor and supplier who provides labor or materials to your project. Make sure you receive them before you make your final payment, or an equivalent document releasing you from any liability.    


6. Do you guarantee your work?
Your contractor should guarantee his/her work for at least one year from date of completion. Some contractors guarantee their work for two or even three years.    


7.Will you provide me with written references?
A good contractor will be happy to provide you with references. Now, CALL THEM or go see the projects. You should look for a well-established contractor who can provide you with several client references from the last year to ten years. Ask for the name of the contractor’s accountant or banker. You want to ensure the contractor is financially sound and won’t be declaring bankruptcy in the middle of your project. This happened to a couple remodeling their kitchen. Halfway through the project, the contractor filed bankruptcy. What happened to their deposit, and the other payments they gave him? He had not paid for any of the material, cabinets, or his subs. Now, not only do they have to pay twice, now they have to hire another contractor to finish their kitchen. This began in Sept. 2002. Today, it is still not finished. Don’t let this happen to you.    


8.What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
When a significant source of a contractor’s business is derived from repeat and referral business, it usually indicates that their clients are pleased with the work they have received. A professional contractor’s repeat business should be at least 50%.    


9.How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?
Your contractor should have experience in the type of remodeling project you want done – not just “contracting experience”.    


10. Do you comply with the Home Remodeling Act?
Anytime you hire a contractor they are required by law to provide you with a signed copy of the “Know Your Consumer Rights” pamphlet. This is for types of remodeling, ANYTHING that pertains to your home. The Attorney General passed this law in Jan. 2000. This provides you with some ammunition if the contractor does not fulfill his end of the bargain.


Of the many questions you can ask during an interview, the most important question is one you must ask yourself: “Do I feel comfortable with and trust this person I am about to hire?” Your answer to that question should make the hiring decision a little easier.