Searching For A Contractor? 3 Tips You Should Not Ignore

Searching For A Contractor? 3 Tips You Should Not Ignore 

You had high hopes for that new deck, the home office conversion, or the kitchen transformation.  You spent a lot of money and thought you were enhancing the quality of your life and possibly boosting the value of your home, right?  But instead, you faced a botched job and more than a little frustration.  Home Remodeling jobs gone awry are unfortunately not uncommon. Here’s what you can do to avoid this scenario whether you are planning a major overhaul on your home or a bath remodel.  Paying attention to these three tips can save you plenty of money and peace of mind. 

Tip #1: Insurance And Licensing Are A BIG Deal

It’s just plain foolish to settle for an uninsured and unlicensed contractor.  Whether you found your home remodeling professional by word-of-mouth, through a reputable industry organization’s online referral system, or by being lured in by the promises touted on that splashy Yellow Pages ad, the first thing you should ask during the interview with a prospective contractor is this: Are you licensed and insured?  Don’t stop there.  Find out the type, term, and amount of insurance and which license the contractor carries. Zero in on the amount of insurance.  It should be for at least $1 million for general liability. Worker’s compensation and property damage coverage are also standard insurance products that any reliable contractor will have.  Actually ask to see a copy of the license and proof of insurance and make sure the credentials are up-to-date. Photocopy the certificate of insurance and keep it with your records. Call the state contractor license board and match up the business name and address of the contractor and the license number with the records on file.  Confirm the duration of the license and inquire if any complaints or suspensions are registered.  Keep your notes and backup information in a safe place in the unfortunate event that you happen to end up in court alongside your contractor. Do it before you sign on the dotted line because the last thing you want is to be held liable for any injuries or damages that occur during the project. 

Tip#2: Go With A Pro Right Off The Bat

Choose right the first time and you will have greatly reduced your chances of disappointment.  You will be ready to make a final decision on a prospective contractor when you find one or two professionals who possess the appropriate licensing and insurance, have been in business for at least two years, can provide excellent references, display the patience to thoroughly answer all your questions, and appear to have good work habits, which you can verify by checking their references. Don’t be tempted to use the guy who knocks on your door who quotes a fee you think you can’t refuse or even your co-worker’s brother-in-law … unless they meet your criteria (and it’s highly doubtful the door-knocker will pass the test). Now, if the project terms and price are right, you have found your professional home remodeling contractor. 

Tip#3: Never, Ever Pay Your Contractor In Full Before The Job Is 100% Complete

Make sure your contract clearly lays out the project details, including the timetable, start and finish dates, whether a sub-contractor will be used, the payment schedule, and at least a 30-day guarantee on completed work. Never pay more than 10 percent up front.  State laws regarding contractors vary so consult your state consumer agency for specific information.  If you can, sync up payments with a defined amount of work and pay only when each step is completed. Do not pay cash so you will always have a record of your payments.  If you pay with a credit card, you can exercise your right to withhold payment for merchandise or services if you make a good faith effort to resolve an issue. Under no circumstances should you provide the final payment for the job until it is completed to your satisfaction. 

In summary, to avoid making common mistakes that can cost you a lot of unnecessary time and money, hire a professional home remodeling contractor who has the proper licensing and insurance and never make the final payment until the job is done to your satisfaction.

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