Questions to Ask a Remodeling Contractor

Are you licensed? Most states require contractors to be licensed. Make sure yours is properly licensed by showing you the license or giving you a copy of it. Be sure to check the expiration date.

Do you carry general liability insurance? Make sure the contractor carries liability insurance. It protects the property in case of damage by him or his employees. Make sure you see the certificate of insurance.

Do you carry workers comp insurance? Make sure they carry this. It will protect you if a worker gets injured while on your property. If the contractor is a one man operation then he can be exempt from having to carry workers comp insurance. If he is doing this legally then he can show a certificate of exemption from workers compensation. This is kinda risky. If he shows up with a helper and the helper gets hurt then you could be responsible for medical bills. Just be safe and use a contractor that is fully insured.

Do you offer financing? Some contractors are lender approved contractors. They have been approved and investigated by lenders as being financially sound, maintaining satisfactory relationships with suppliers, satisfactory credit and no outstanding complaints at the Better Business Bureau.

Are you a member of NARI or NAHB? In most cases, both organizations only attract conscientious contractors interested in bettering the industry and in weeding out unprofessional contractors. Contractors have to have background and reference checks done.

Will you get the required building permits? Make sure they will get the permits. This way you will know you work is done up to code. Most insurances won't continue to insure your home if you unless your remodeling is done up to code.

Is your work guaranteed? The contractor should guarantee his work for at least one year from date of completion. They should also include warranties from material used.

Do you have references? A good contractor will be happy to give you references. You should look for an established contractor that can give you several references from 6 months to a year. Ask to speak to their accountant and banker to be sure they will not be declaring bankruptcy in the middle of your project.

Can they handle dirty work? Construction is dirty and dusty; make sure the contractor will make an effort to keep the dust contained. Make sure the contractor agrees to sweep up and place all construction debris in a predetermined place or a refuse container at the end of every day.

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