Things to Ask a Remodeling Contractor Before Hiring

When you hire a remodeling contractor, make sure you are working with a reputable contractor. You should try to ask him the right questions to know how he will do the job. A good professional will understand what you want him to do and do things according to your needs. Here are some questions you can ask a contractor before hiring:

Did this business have another name?

If the business has been operated under a different name, most probably the contractor will not talk about it. Pay attention to how your contractor answers this question. If you find that the business was once under a different name, may be there was something wrong with the business. Dig a bit deeper to know if the business is protected by law.

Please tell me your license number

To run a business, a contractor has to register, with exceptions in some states. The license number will allow you to know more about the business. It will also allow you to know if the contractor ran an unsuccessful business. Unwillingness to provide details may suggest that the contractor is hiding something from you.

How can I communicate to you?

A reputable contractor will provide you with a physical business address and cell phone numbers. A contractor who is unwilling to provide further details will give you only a cell phone number and a P.O. Box.  In this case you may not be able to reach the contractor if something goes wrong with the project.

Can you give me a copy of your insurance policy?

This copy will help you to know more about the insurance. You may find that there is no insurance at all, or the insurance is not adequate.  If it does not cover your property, you may look for another contractor. The insurance must have a good amount to cover your property. You may run into problems if you work with a contractor who is not properly insured.

How much will you charge for this project?

Make a written document and make the estimates detailed. If you find a quote significantly lower than the rest, dig a bit deeper. Each type of service is different (for example facade cleaning will come with different material and labor costs than a home renovation). In the same way, if you find a quote significantly higher, request your contractor to explain it. It will not be a good experience for you if the contractor asks for more money after getting started.

How many projects like this have you completed?

This is an important question. This question will help you hire the right person for the right job. Make sure you are dealing with a contractor capable of doing the job assigned to him. Asking a contractor how many similar jobs he has completed will help you avoid unnecessary problems in the future. If you happen to hire a contractor who does everything but specializes in none, you may have to regret when you will get unsatisfactory service. In order to ensure the quality of service, look for specialists.