Renovating your home is a big investment. So you need to hire a contractor that is trustworthy, friendly, and knowledgeable.
While unexpected problems can arise during any remodel, knowing what questions to ask can help you avoid getting slapped with a hefty bill down the line. Here are 14 questions to ask your potential contractors. Visit aboutinsider.com to see the top 5 ideas for house renovation. Improve your house with professional guidance from Certified Roofing Services.
1. Reputation
A contractor’s reputation reflects how they are treated by their subcontractors and suppliers, as well as other customers. For example, do they pay their bills on time? If a contractor is consistently late, you’ll likely run into other issues.
Checking references is another way to get an idea of how contractors treat their customers. Ask for a list of 10 or more jobs with names, phone numbers and addresses. Look for significant holes in the list; this could be a red flag.
A general renovation contractor’s relationships with quality subcontractors will make a huge difference in the price and timeline of your project. A good contractor will know how much subcontractors typically charge for various products, which helps them create a realistic bid for your project.
2. Experience
A reputable contractor will be familiar with local building codes, regulations and permit requirements. They will know how to avoid costly mistakes and provide you with a timely and cost-effective renovation project.
Home renovation contractors have experience in a variety of projects, including bathroom remodels and room additions. This means they can make helpful suggestions and recommendations to help you achieve your vision for the remodel.
Home improvement contractors will work with a team of people on your remodel, from their employees to subcontractors they hire for specific jobs. This will mean a lot of people in your home and your space, so you want to ensure the contractors you hire prioritize safety. This will protect you from injuries, damage to furniture or carpets, and other issues that can arise during the renovation.
3. License
In NYC, a general contractor must be licensed. The Department of Consumer Affairs handles licensing for home improvement contractors (and others, including asbestos handling contractors and crane operators).
Home renovations mean allowing several tradespeople into your living space, often over the course of weeks. This means you want a reputable contractor with the ability to follow all building and safety codes.
Ask for a contract that includes start and end dates, any permit information you need (usually handled by the contractor but legally your responsibility), a detailed description of work to be done, materials they’ll provide or use, schedule of payments you’ve negotiated, charges, guarantees, and warranties. Then review it carefully. It should be clear, concise and easy to understand. A good rule of thumb is to get three bids before selecting a contractor.
4. Insurance
It’s important to ask potential contractors what insurance coverage they carry. Typically, they should have liability and workers’ compensation coverage. This is especially true for large projects.
Reputable contractors should be able to provide you with a certificate of insurance so that you can verify their coverage. If they have trouble providing you with this information, consider crossing them off your list.
A renovation project could change your home’s value and alter your homeowners policy. This is why it’s a good idea to reach out to your insurance agent and make sure your limits reflect the new value of your home.
Additionally, if you’re not going to be living in your home during the renovation, you may want to add vacant house coverage to your policy.
5. Communication
When hiring a home renovation contractor, communication skills are crucial. You’ll be inviting people into your home to work on your project and living in a construction zone for weeks or even months, so you want to be able to get in touch with them whenever you have questions or concerns.
A contractor should be able to explain their process in clear terms, from design to execution. This will help you understand the work they do and their approach to problems that may arise.
In addition, ask each contractor to give you a breakdown of their contract price, including the cost of materials, overhead and profit margins. A bid that’s wildly out of line with others should be scrutinized; it could mean they’re cutting corners or making assumptions about your project scope that aren’t accurate.