Choosing a remodelling contractor to hire is an important decision that can have serious repercussions for your finances and peace of mind. To ensure you choose the right person, it’s best to do some research before making any decisions so you know what kind of contractor they are.
Get written estimates from a few companies. But keep in mind that the lowest bidder may not be the best choice because they’re more likely to cut corners or use cheaper materials for construction. Here are some questions that you should ask before hiring a remodelling contractor:
Are You Licensed And Insured?
You should make sure that the contractor carries liability insurance in case something goes wrong. This is not a simple yes or no question. It will be important to know what kind of insurance they have, as you want the person working for you to be properly insured. You need both Workers’ Compensation and Liability Insurance so you can rest easy while their workers do all of the hard work for you.
What Are Your Qualifications And Credentials?
Don’t feel shy about checking these credentials. You’re looking for a contractor, not a spouse or a new best friend. Be sure to find out if the contractor has any formal training or education in building or home renovation. You want to hire someone who is qualified and has the necessary certifications, but you don’t know if they do until after discussing it with them. That’s why asking about their credentials upfront before getting too far into the process will make sure that there are no surprises down the road.
What Are The Estimated Costs And Estimated Timeline For The Project?
Essentially, you’ll want to get a broad idea of how the project will go if you choose to work with this contractor. While they don’t have to give you daily updates on your progress, they should be able to provide an estimate for when their team can finish up and send over final documents. You will want to make sure you have an accurate, specific timeline that outlines everything from the start date and end date.
Can I See Some Past Projects and References?
Requesting the list of past customers is a great way to make sure that you’re hiring someone who does quality work. They’ll be more than happy to give references and in return, they know it will help them find new customer opportunities too.
What Warranty Do You Offer For Your Work?
A good contractor provides you with a written warranty that spells out what is covered and the length of the warranty period. And they deliver prompt follow-up service if there are problems or defects in their work. Additionally, make sure to ask if there are manufacturer’s warranties with materials used in construction as well.