There are many important questions to be asked anytime you consider hiring a home remodeling contractor. The process of choosing a contractor to remodel your home can be highly stressful. Selecting a contractor is an important job, and you need someone who will take care of your project with the maximum of professionalism, skill, and care.
There are many things you must do as the homeowner and there is much to consider when it comes to picking a qualified contractor.
The following are a few examples of inquiries homeowners should be sure to ask any potential remodeling contractors they may be interested in, to help ensure their satisfaction during the home remodeling process.
How Experienced is Your Staff and How Long Have You Been in Business?
When you’re looking for a remodeler to refresh your kitchen or bathroom or design a new floor plan, it’s important to have confidence that the person you choose is experienced.
A professional remodeling remodeling contractor will have their employees trained regularly on the latest home improvement techniques. If the company has been in business for a long time, it is likely because they are providing a quality product and service.
Some contractors bring in additional crews for a 6-month project because they can’t find enough qualified people to keep their company growing. If this is the case, you’ll end up with inexperienced subcontractors who are paid by the hour instead of contractors who have proven their skill and are more likely to charge a flat rate.
For some areas of your remodel, like flooring, it’s essential to hire professionals for that.
Do You Have a Contracting License?
A license is a written authorisation or permit to do something. A contractor licensing law stipulates that certain individuals must have a license to operate a business.
To be successful as a renovation contractor, you need to be licensed and insured. When looking for remodeling contractors in your local area, request to see their licenses.
If they have been operating an unlicensed company or are not licensed with the local council, do not work with them. These companies either have a poor reputation or they are possibly breaking the law.
Can I See Your Certificate of Insurance?
Professional contractors should carry public liability insurance to protect themselves and their customers. This shows a high level of professionalism and concern for their customers’ safety. It also means that the contractor is fully covered, protecting you from any costs associated with damage to your property caused by their negligence. If they are insured, ask to see the policy.
Protection from legal liability is important. Without it, you could end up paying for injuries or property damage that occur on your project. Check to make sure a contractor’s insurance is current because there is no guarantee that a claimant won’t sue in the event of an injury or accident.
Will You Obtain Necessary Permits?
One of the most important questions to ask is whether the contractor will need you to obtain the necessary permits and submit the plans. If not, the remodeling project might not be able to be completed. In some cities where permits are not required because of the age of the building, a case-by-case basis would apply.
Depending on where you live, local home remodeling contractors may require a permit to construct new cabinets. Check with your local construction codes department before beginning so that your contractor is aware of the requirements and can help you avoid any delays in obtaining your permit.
Another question to ask is whether it is economically feasible to perform the remodeling project in terms of square footage per person worked on. This will ensure that there will be enough space for every family member, including guests.
When Do You Expect the Project to be Complete?
When it comes to home improvements, the contractor’s word is not necessarily gospel. Avoid the stress of a project that is not complete by asking your contractor when the work will be done. It’s important to confirm timelines with your contractor before he or she begins work on the project so that any changes can be addressed in advance.
If a general contractor says he will be able to complete a project on time and within budget, you’ll want to get it in writing. That’s because if you don’t put it in writing, he can come back at the end of the job with a whole new set of problems and add-on.
What is the Payment Schedule? Itemized Bid?
When looking for home remodeling contractors, it can be difficult to know who to trust. Contractor payment schedules are important to know because you want to be sure that the contractor will be paid only for the work that they perform and not all the supplies are purchased upfront.
Be careful when you do this and be very honest. It’s important that you choose a contractor that you will be comfortable with. How does he or she charge for labour, materials, etc.? Be inquisitive to see if certain things are itemized in the Bid (cost of tools used on the job, etc.). Being an informed consumer will save you both time and money.
Can You Tell Me How Many People Will be Working on the Project?
The right number of people on a job site can make the difference between a smooth, unified operation and slow, sloppy work that doesn’t finish when it should. Remember: you’re hiring contractors because they know what they are doing. The knowledge and experience must be present throughout the entire project. You don’t want just one worker, you want a complete crew.
No one wants a job that is supposed to take ten days, over run and take three weeks to complete due to lack of manpower.
Find out if any of them are apprentices or trainees. Also find out if the crew will be made up of company employees, or subcontractors who you will not directly supervise.
Contractors may work with employees who are not licensed. Be sure to check the license status of all contractors and subcontractors on your project, including the main contractor.
What is the Best Way and Time to Get in Contact With You?
Try to find out when the contractor is available, and if he or she is not immediately available, who you can get a hold of. A good contractor will be eager to return your call or email as soon as possible and schedule a meeting for the earliest available date. A great contractor may even ask you for your availability to determine an immediate fit for a consultation.
What Warranties are Offered for Materials/Labour?
Contractors typically offer various types of warranties. A materials warranty assures you that if something fails in your home due to defective or incorrect material, the contractor agrees to fix it at no additional cost.
The labour warranty ensures that if something goes wrong in your home due to faulty labour, the contractor will fix or repair it at no charge. So, it is great to ask the contractor what warranties are offered for materials and Labour.
Do You Have References I Can Get in Contact With?
A good online reputation is important to attracting the kind of clients that can be a good fit. Consider asking for references before signing the contract.
Home Remodeling contractors typically have a list of references just like everyone else. Ask for the references and call them. If they’re not willing to give you names to contact, steer clear of them. But that would be a surprise.
Are There Any Changes to My Home that May Impact Your Project?
You should ask the contractor if there are any changes to your home that may impact the project. Just because you don’t see debris in the areas that will be remodeled doesn’t mean there isn’t hidden inner damage that could pose a problem later on.
Ask the contractor what his plans are for dealing with things like mold, asbestos, and moisture issues. Some contractors may even be able to help you with insurance claims related to water damage if it affects your ability to get approved for financing.
Bottom Line
The home remodeling industry can be a difficult field for consumers to navigate due to the range of options available, where that particular contractor is located (e.g.: local or national), and if they are certified. These factors all contribute to how a customer defines a quote, how money is collected and the final product experienced; however the most important factor is trust.
The job of the contractor – regardless of size of the company – is to assist the consumer in a major investment and project into their home. Most estimates contain a home remodel scope and value; however, the real key aspect is understanding which questions (without making assumptions).
