There are many remodeling companies available to hire for that special project you have been wanting to do. Whether it’s a new kitchen, basement, master bedroom or bathroom remodel, you need to choose the right contractor. There are many questions you want to ask, but which ones should you ask remodeling contractors so you can choose the right one.
Before you sign a contract for a major home remodeling project, make sure you ask the following questions of any remodeling contractor you interview:
1. How long have you been in business?
A remodeling company that has been in business for many years will most likely have reviews and testimonials to narrow down your choices. Experience contractors will also have systems in place to ensure their work is delivered on time and on budget. Those who have these systems also have the confidence to communicate clearly so there are few, if any misunderstandings.
2. Are you licensed?
There are different requirements for licensing based on where you live. In Massachusetts, we have different licensing designations such as:
- Construction Supervisors License (CSL)
- Registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC)
- Lead-Safe Renovation Contractor License
- Certified Lead Renovator
Massachusetts requires general contractors to acquire their Construction Supervisor license through the Office of Public Safety and Inspections. Home improvement pros must go through the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Specialty trades, like plumbing and electrical work, require different licensing.
3. Do you pull the permits for the project?
This is on of the most important questions to ask your remodeling contractor. Contractors have to be either an HIC or GSL to pull permits. In Massachusetts, owners who secure their own permits or deal with unregistered contractors are excluded from the Guaranty Fund provisions of MGL c. 142A.
This fund allows wronged homeowners to collect money even if a registered contractor is unwilling to pay for damages and deceptive practices.
4. Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?
Don’t just ask if they carry workers comp. Always verify this information by calling the insurance agency and getting a copy of the certificate from them. If the contractor gives you a copy of an insurance certificate, it may not let you know if the policy is still current. Even if the certificate has an expiration date, you cannot tell if the insurance has been canceled by either party.
5. Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?
Ideally, the contractor you hire should be the project manager who is available on site each day to oversee progress. But depending on the size of the contractor and the number of projects they are carrying, that may not always be the case.
If your contractor names another person to oversee the project, you want to know who they are. They will be on your property every day. Things you need to know:
- Will they stop by daily to check on the progress being made. Part of their quoted price is project management. You are paying for it. You need to be sure you are getting adequate attention.
- Who to contact should you discover things are not going as planned. You want to know someone on site is tracking the progress of your project and will alert you if there are issues.
6. Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?
With the majority of GC’s, they use subcontractors. Most quality remodeling companies aren’t big enough to have full-time employees for specialty work. It’s common in the remodeling industry to have this structure. But you should ask anyway.
Also make sure the subcontractors carry their own workers compensation and liability insurance, or that the contractor’s insurance covers them. You do not want an accident on your property that is not covered by the contractors themselves.
7. What is your approach to a project such as this?
Most remodeling projects require some level of architectural design, especially those that involve major changes like moving walls or adding on to the home. See if your contractor uses a design-build or a design-bid-build model.
A design-bid-build model has the homeowner acts as the project manager, selecting an architect or designer to finalize the design. Then the homeowner needs to find a contractor to construct the project based on the design.
A design build contractor, the architectural designer and building contractor are one and the same. This single interface approach to remodeling, new construction and additions result in many benefits for the homeowner.
8. How many projects similar to mine have you completed in the past year?
It’s important to work with a contractor that specializes in the type of work you are looking to get done. Some remodelers specialize in kitchen and bathrooms. Others may only build additions.
While most experienced contractors can handle a wide range of projects, it’s best to hire one who is well-versed in the specific type of work you want done. Asking how many similar projects a contractor has done in the past year will help you decide if you are working with the right business.
If the contractor you hire hasn’t done a project similar to yours, you might want to find one that does.
9. Do you have a list of references?
Speaking with a homeowner who has experienced your work is important. Of course, you will only provide a reference to someone who was thrilled with your work. But it still proves that you have success stories in your portfolio. Make sure they include references for projects similar to yours.
When you speak with the reference, also ask if they would refer the contractor to friends and family. Most contractors succeed through word-of-mouth. If a previous client does not refer business to the contractor, you might want to question why.
As a homeowner, you should also check review sites for other input to the quality of the work. Don’t worry about one or two bad reviews among a sea of glowing reviews. But if all you find are bad reviews, you might want to consider your choice.
10. Are you a member of a national trade association?
Although being a member of a trade organization is not a requirement for quality contractors, it does show that this contractor is committed to staying on top of updates and changes in his industry. These professional associations also offer training and industry updates to ensure your contractor is aware of the latest changes to building codes and practices.
It’s also important to realize that sometimes it’s not the answers you get that are significant, but what you don’t get. Asking the right questions is not enough. You need to pay attention to your instincts and to what information is missing.
Choosing the right contractor is a process
Asking these questions can help you make the right choice of remodeling contractor. Doing so at the beginning of your project can be the difference between a nightmare experience or a well-run project done on-time and within budget.