Hiring a contractor is a big decision. After all, you’re trusting this person or company with your home, one of your most valuable assets. You want to be sure that the job will be done right and that you won’t end up with any nasty surprises down the road.
Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to ask your potential contractor these seven important questions:
1. Are you licensed or insured?
In order for a contractor to obtain a license, they must first pass an exam that tests their knowledge of building codes and other regulations. This ensures that they’re qualified to do the job. Insurance, on the other hand, protects both you and the contractor in case of accidents or damages during the course of the project.
2. Can you provide me with references?
Any good contractor should be able to provide you with a list of satisfied customers who are willing to vouch for their quality of work. Don’t be afraid to contact these references and ask specific questions about the project in question.
3. Can you demonstrate your equipment?
If your contractor will be using any specialized equipment on your property, be sure to ask for a demonstration before work begins. This will help ensure that they know how to operate the equipment safely and correctly.
4. What is your construction process like?
It’s important to have a clear understanding of how your contractor plans to complete the project before work gets underway. Ask them to walk you through each step of the process so that you know what to expect.
5. What is included in the price?
Be sure to get a detailed breakdown of what is included in your quote before work begins. This will help avoid any confusion or surprises later on down the road.
6. Do you offer any warranties?
A good contractor should stand behind their work and offer some kind of warranty in case any problems arise after the project is completed. Be sure to ask about this before you commit to working with anyone.
7. How do we communicate?
It’s important to establish clear lines of communication from the very beginning so that there are no misunderstandings later on down the road. Be sure to agree on a method (phone, email, text, etc.) and frequency (daily, weekly, etc.) for updates and progress reports before work begins