You’ve decided that your remodeling project needs to get
done. Now you need to determine which
contractor is the best man or woman for your needs. Making sure that you do your homework and
take the time to follow some simple guidelines will result in a successful
relationship for you and the contractor.
Following these simple steps can save you time and potential
aggravation:
Who are your friends
using or recommending?
Word of mouth referrals from friends or family are at the
top of the list when choosing a contractor.
If they like their work and you have seen what their contractor has
done, this is a huge testament to the contractor. Chances are high that if your friends or
family liked them, you will too.
How long has the
business been around?
Another important question to ask is how long has the
contractor been in business? Do they
have a credible website? You want to
make sure that their history is solid and what they purport it to be. Check for onsite testimonials.
What type of car does
the contractor drive?
Yes, I said to make sure what type of ride the contractor
has. Hopefully he or she is driving a
late model van or pickup truck which is common since reputable contractors need
to house their tools and supplies in their vehicle. If they drive a Hummer or something as
impractical, you may want to think twice about handing over a hefty down
payment that may be spent on something else other than your job.
Check your local
Chamber of Commerce or other community organizations
Your local chamber of commerce can be a tremendous resource
for credentialing your potential contractor as well as finding one to use. Most established contractors are members of
local organizations like a chamber of commerce.
Check out the
insurance ($0, $150K or $2 mil)
It is important that your contractor is insured. In the event that anything should happen, you
certainly don’t want to assume any liability, or worse, not be able to get it
corrected because the contractor carried no insurance. Insurance amounts can range from $150K to in
excess of $2 million. What’s your house
worth? It is your responsibility to make sure that they are insured and have
the valid documentation to prove such.
Make sure that you
can review a portfolio of recent projects
If the contractor has a credible website, they should have
an updated portfolio of their recent projects.
By viewing their work online you can have a better sense of their work
and how the finished product looks.
In some cases, contractors may be able to take you to past
clients’ homes to see their work.
Make sure that your
contractor is certified
As simple as this seems, many people make the assumption
that the contractor that they are working with is certified and trained. Ask to see their credentials. Certification indicates additional training
and continuing education insures current knowledge of the contractor. Architecturally
Speaking has the following credentials:
- NAHB - National Association of Home Builders
- CAPS - Certified Aging In Place Specialist
- NAHI - National Association of Home Inspectors
- CRI - Certified Residential Inspector
- Illinois State Licensed Home Inspector
- Degreed Architect
Taking the time to follow these steps when selecting a contractor
can make a significant difference in the end result!
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