SIX SECRETS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR!

Secret #1: How To Choose The Right Contractor, 10 Questions To Ask A Contractor Before You Consider Doing Business

There are 10 questions you should ask a contractor before you consider doing business with them.

1. Does the Contractor have a good reputation and track record? Make sure your contractor is not a fly-by-night operation and has been providing quality service in your area. Is the contractor a member of your community? Look for supporting indicators such as does he have an office location and permanent signage on his vehicles? Does he have letterhead, company forms or are you getting your quotes on the back of an envelope? Is the contractor a registered member of reputable business organizations such as Better Business Bureau or local Chamber of Commerce.

2. Does the Contractor carry general liability insurance? Make sure your contractor carries general liability insurance. This type of insurance protects your property in case of damage caused by the contractor and/or their employees. The insurance company will pay for the cost of replacing and/or repairing any damage that might occur.

3. Does the Contractor carry workman's compensation insurance? Make sure your contractor carries workman's compensation. Workman's compensation insurance protects you from liability if a worker is injured while on your property. Be aware that if the contractor doesn't carry workman's compensation coverage, you may be liable for any injuries suffered by any of the contractor's employees on your property. If the contractor does carry workman's comp, ask him to show you a copy of his policy.

4. Will the Contractor provide you with written lien waivers if requested? Your contractor should be willing to provide you with written lien waivers. Sub-contractors and suppliers have the right in most jurisdictions to file mechanics' liens against your property if they are not paid by the contractor. Even though you may have paid the contractor for those materials or work, if he doesn't meet his obligations the supplier can look to you. On the bigger jobs, you may want to get copies of lien waivers to protect yourself from these suits.

5. Will the Contractor pull all the required building permits? Make sure your contractor pulls all required permits. This is very important. When a contractor pulls the required building permits, you know things will be done properly and "to code". Also, many homeowners insurance policies require you to pull permits on any major remodeling to keep your home properly covered. Not all contractors will do this. Many prefer not to pull permits because of the time involved and the "hassle" with the inspectors. Some contractors may ask you to get the permits. A reputable contractor will permit every job where a permit is required.

6. Does the Contractor guarantee their work? Your contractor should guarantee his work. Every job should be backed with a workmanship warranty. Many contractors will not guarantee their work. Some may provide you with a one year workmanship warranty. Most faulty workmanship will be easily detected within one year time period. If your builder won't guarantee it, don't buy it.

7. What is the Contractor's after service support? A construction project does not end with the crew leaving the site after the last nail has been hammered. Ask the Contractor about their "walk through" process and whether they have check lists that will be reviewed with you before you sign off. How do they deal with the small items and what is the timeframe for resolving all identified items.

8. Who will be in charge of the job? Ask who will be on the job every day? A foreman or superintendent, the business owner? This is especially significant on a large project where several workers and/or sub-contractors will be necessary to complete the project. If you will be gone during the day and will leave your home unlocked for the work to be completed, you do not want to be worried about what is going on when you are not there.

9. Will the Contractor provide you with written references? A good contractor should gladly provide you with references. You should look for a well established contractor who can give you several customer references - usually previous customers from the last 6 months to a year. Make sure and receive 2 references from the contractor. You want to ensure that the contractor is financially sound and won't be declaring bankruptcy in the middle of your project.

10. Ask the Contractor about how they handle their "dirty work." Dust and dirt. It can get everywhere! Especially if any sanding is being done. Make sure the contractor will cover your furniture or if external, flowers and shrubbery with tarps. If possible have him seal off the construction site with a plastic drop cloth. Make sure it's understood you want the debris cleaned up at the end of each day. Today the disposal of debris is more difficult and costly. Discuss the possibility of recycling or reusing building materials. This is definitely more responsible and can sometimes save you money.

©Cada Construction 2011. All Rights Reserved   Privacy Policy
Web by GSA Associates