The time to remodel your home has arrived, but you don’t know where to begin. You’re getting recommendations for contractors left and right, and have no idea how to filter the good from the bad. By asking a contractor a few important questions, you’ll be able to assess if he’s the right one for the job.
Hiring a contractor that fits the job can differentiate between a successful project and an absolute catastrophe. The following are seven questions you need to discuss with your potential contractors before choosing one to help renovate your home. Let’s begin!
Question #1: What’s your experience like with this type of work?
Not every contractor is necessarily an experienced contractor. You value your home, and you certainly don’t want to place your property’s renovation in the hands of an inexperienced novice.
This is one of the most important questions to ask a new contractor before hiring him, so don’t be afraid to ask!
Question #2: Can you provide a list of your previous clients?
A reliable, expert contractor would gladly provide references for his previous work. We recommend getting your hands dirty and contacting some of those previous clients and hearing what they have to say. Nothing better than direct reviews!
Question #3: Are you licensed?
Let’s face it, accidents can happen. You want to make sure your contractor can pay for any costs related to an accident in the project workplace. Don’t hire an uninsured contractor, as doing so is a recipe for trouble! The last thing you want to deal with during your home remodel is assuming liability for your contractor’s safety.
Question #4: Are subcontractors going to be hired?
Using trade contractors is a common occurrence in the renovation world, so make sure to ask about it. Note the names of the people who will set foot in your home and handle your renovation. Ensure the contractor is there to supervise them at all times.
Question #5: Are you currently working on multiple projects?
You want to make sure your contractor is dedicated to your home remodeling project. However, the answer to this question can be challenging to assess. Many would argue that a busy contractor is a good thing since it indicates that people are happy with his work. Others would say that a contractor who has way too many renovation projects to handle can’t dedicate himself to your own project, which may lead to lacking results.
There’s no correct answer here. We believe the smart thing to do is to find balance. You don’t want a contractor who has no current projects and isn’t going to have any anytime soon. On the other hand, you don’t want him to be overloaded with tasks, something that would jeopardize his focus.
Question #6: What is the project’s expected timeline?
Nobody likes delays. Demand that your contractor specifies an exact timeline for your project and don’t give in. Keep in mind that unexpected issues may occur as time goes by, so take his specified timeline with a grain of salt.
Regardless, get something written on paper that outlines the completion date and the different project milestones. This will help you make sure all work is on track.
Question #7: Is a workers’ compensation insurance set in place?
A workers’ compensation insurance will protect you from any liability should a contractor get injured when working on your home remodel. Don’t compromise here!