Finding a contractor for a home remodeling project can be daunting - especially considering there are probably hundreds to choose from. Here is a list that can help guide you to make the right decision when selecting a contractor.
1. How many years of experience do you have? This is important, especially if it's a large job that will span multiple weeks. You're investing a lot of money in this project - you want to make sure the contractor you select is experienced enough to handle it.
2. Do you have insurance? Any reputable contractor will have insurance in case something happens. A reputable contractor should have no problem showing you their certificate of liability insurance.
3. What is the timeline for completion? This should be detailed out in your initial contract, but it's good to get a verbal affirmation of the timeline to complete the project.
4. What is the payment schedule? A reputable contractor will have payment terms spelled out clearly in the contract. It's typical for a contractor to require between a 20%-50% deposit to begin the job so they may purchase materials. However, if a contractor is demanding 100% of the job cost up-front, you should consider finding another contractor.
5. Who will be working on my home? Some companies have full-time employees and others hire sub-contractors to perform work. It's good to be familiar with the people who will be working on our house for the next month or so.
6. What is your working day like? This will give you an idea of when their day starts and when it ends, and allows you to request any accommodations if needed. For example, if you have children that need to sleep until 8:30, you can request they begin their day at 9:00 instead of 8:00.
7. What's the best way to get in touch with you? Some contractors will text and chat with their clients, while others would prefer to communicate in person or over the phone. It's good to have an understanding of the best way to communicate with them before the job starts. If they're difficult to get in touch with before they begin, however, you might want to reconsider hiring them. Communication is key!
8. Can you provide a list of references? Contractors should have a list of references or at least be able to provide a portfolio of prior work they completed. Google, Facebook, and BBB reviews should also be considered. Don't shy away from companies who don't have thousands of reviews, but if a contractor consistently has poor reviews, you should avoid hiring them.
9. How many projects are you currently working on? This question can provide valuable insight as to how busy the contractor is. If a company is currently managing 5 to 10 projects, it could be easier for the quality of your renovation project to decline.
10. Do you anticipate any challenges on this project? Every home remodeling project is going to come with challenges. However, a good contractor will have the knowledge and ability to be able to solve most problems without an issue. If a contractor responds with a laundry list of things they're concerned about, they might not have the experience necessary to complete your job.