Renovating your home is a big deal, and you and your home contractor must be on the same page for the most seamless possible process. That being said, picking the perfect contractor that understands you can seem like a challenging and scary task. It is essential that your home contractor know your needs and vision and actualize these items within your budget. Asking the right questions about your potential home renovation prior to signing any form of contract with them will make your home renovation process exciting and pleasant rather than stressful. These questions will also safeguard you and your home from fraudulent contractors and a home makeover disaster.
What Should I Ask First?
First and foremost, you should ask questions that provide more insight into the contractor’s credentials. Hiring a trustworthy and expert contractor can make all the difference in achieving your ideal remodeling experience – from communication with the contractor to the final product. It is crucial to ask about the prospective contractor’s experience, whether they are licensed, and the specifics of their insurance coverage. It is essential to inquire about the contractor’s insurance policy to ensure you and your family’s safety and protect the valuable items in your home. Contractors should be insured in the event that something in your home gets broken during the job.
Some initial questions that should be asked include:
- How long have you been working in this business?
- Do you have a contracting license?
- What type of insurance coverage do you have? For follow-up, you can ask to see their certificate of insurance. You could also ask about their worker’s comp policies.
The key is to look for clear, affirmative answers from the contractor. Long, round-about answers to your questions could signify that the candidate is not adequately qualified or adequately insured for the job. As with many jobs, it is also beneficial to ask the prospective contractor for references. References are particularly helpful when hiring a contractor because they can speak from their personal experience. Good questions to ask the references are about the contractor’s communication skills and adherence to the projected timeline.
Other Possible Questions:
- How often will you be on-site to supervise the progress of the job?
- Do you offer a guarantee for your work? If so, what is it?
- How frequently do you finish your projects on time?
- How do you plan to clean up at the end of each day?
- Where will you store your equipment and materials? Will you need to use space in my home for storage during the project?
There are careful considerations you should make before hiring a contractor to renovate your home, but the process doesn’t always have to be stressful. Have more questions about new projects? Contact us today!