The right remodeling contractor will save you time and money, but you must do your due diligence to find the right one. Some contractors may only be in town for a season and disappear with no references, while others are known to perform shoddy work. Here are a few questions to ask the contractor before you sign on the dotted line.
4 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
1. Ask About Their Experience
Before you let someone demolish and rebuild your kitchen, patio, or deck, verify their level of experience with that type of project. A contractor who’s built a thousand bathrooms may not be qualified to remodel a kitchen. Find how many similar projects they’ve performed in the past year and ask for references. Contact previous clients or look for online reviews to learn about their experience with the contractor and the completion of their project.
2. Check Their Credentials
Contractors should carry licenses and insurance information when they talk to clients. The insurance paperwork will state if the company is insured, and it should cover your home as well. Take the time to check their license. It will tell you if a contractor had complaints against them, or if they were at previously registered under a different name, both of which are red flags.
3. Discuss Your Project Details
Find out what the estimated start and end dates of construction will be and discuss the repercussions if those deadlines aren’t met. Make sure they’ll get the permits and inspections needed for your property. Ask if they plan to do the plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work themselves, or if they hire someone else to do those jobs. If they’re hiring a third-party contractor, you’ll want to inquire about their vetting process and see their certifications as well.