The very last thing a law-abiding homeowner needs is usually to be rooked by anybody, aside from on this type of large investment.
Especially in today's economic climate that we're experiencing, every dollar and every decision matters.
1. Are you licensed?
This might seem obvious, but you wouldn't believe the amount of smart, well-to-do homeowners that truly forget to ask this one very important question.
EVERY contractor engaged in "home improvement" (defined below) must be licensed.
Do-it-yourself work includes alteration, remodeling, repair or replacement of a building or section of a building used as a residence. Home improvement also contains work done on individual condominium units. Home improvement will not include work done on commonly owned regions of condominiums or buildings which contain four or more single family units.
So let's suppose you ask a potential contractor you are interviewing whether they're licensed or not, plus they tell you "Yes". In the event you stop there?
You could, but it isn't advisable. How hard is it to tell a one-word lie? True, it really is harder for a few than for others, however the perpetrator may contemplate it to be a "white" lie. Perhaps they're in the process of applying for the license, or they've already applied, and just haven't been accepted yet, or they will have a friend who'll "cover it" with his license... I've heard many little white lies for this question.
How to check to see in case a contractor is licensed
To check out the licensing status of any individual or company, a homeowner may call their states DO-IT-YOURSELF Commission.
Exceptions (i.e. individuals or companies that DON'T require a state license) include architects, electricians, plumbers or heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) contractors, but they are still necessary to have their very own appropriate licenses.
Definitely ask any potential contractor if he is licensed and to see a copy of his license. Make sure to check the expiration date and that it is in good standing. If the contractor has trouble producing the license, it's probably because they don't possess it. Feel free to give them a chance to produce the physical licensing, but hiring a contractor that cannot demonstrate their license is normally a bad idea.
Why it is critical to work with a licensed contractor?
Intuitively, you know it is important to use a licensed contractor, but will there be a really difference? Well, yes, actually there is.
Firstly, states make individuals and companies pass certain criteria and jump through certain hoops, in the event that you will, to get state licensing. This in and of itself, is an excellent indication that the company or individual is serious. This implies that they are not a fly-by-night operation that partcipates in chronic fraudulent behavior.
Additionally, states investigate complaints by homeowners, awards monetary damages against licensed contractors, and prosecutes violators of the home improvement law and regulations.
Most states established a Guaranty Fund. This Fund compensates homeowners for actual monetary losses because of poor workmanship or failure to perform a house improvement contract.
But here's the kicker, the Fund applies only to work done by licensed contractors. Each licensed contractor is included in the Fund for up to $100,000 for all claims. Unlicensed contractors are not included in the Fund.
2. Do you have general liability insurance?
Just as important as having state licensing, every contractor must have general liability insurance. This insurance is set up almost primarily for the reason why of protecting you, a contractor's customer.
In the event that something happens where your premises is damaged, having proper general liability insurance will cover the costs of the damages, so you don't have to shell out the dough!
Again, this is something that ought to be discussed on the initial meeting. The contractor might not have a copy of the policy with him, nevertheless, you should insist upon seeing it before hiring him.
Just both of these questions, if asked every time by every homeowner, probably would've saved most of them from the hardships they experienced.
3. Do you guarantee your projects?
Again, a very important question that's (surprisingly) mostly overlooked.
It makes sense (again, definitely on an intuitive level) that contractors should guarantee their work! Considering that a remodeling or additions project is really a long-term kind of thing, the guarantee ought to be for a minumum of one year. In fact, it's actually a licensing requirement in the state of Maryland that contractors guarantee their work for a year.
Some contractors (mostly the good ones) could have extended warranties.
You should open up a dialogue and talk in-depth together with your potential contractor about their stance on the guarantee. In general, when a remodeling contractor is very confident with their guarantees, it'll shine through in the manner the act if you are talking about it.
It is possible to tell when somebody is unsure, anxious, or nervous.
In the event that you sense any hesitation or any doubt when you are discussing the guarantee together with your contractor, which might be a strong indication that they're not confident within their work. An unconfident contractor is like an unconfident surgeon-not good news.
4. Can http://wwwobghomes.co.uk provide some references?
This seems like another obvious one, but literally, about half of homeowners don't even ask. And of those that do, most will settle for written references.
We all know why it's important to get references, however the actual process of getting the references can be more or less effective, depending on the way you do it.
For instance, do you settle for written references? What if they were fabricated?
Do you ask to consult with individuals on the phone? What if these were somehow fabricated?
I hope this doesn't sound like you will find a general idea that builders and contractors are liars. We have been designers and builders ourselves and we would never in any way imply our colleagues are less-than-honest.
But concurrently, this is a lot of money that you are investing in this project, and when a little homework can dramatically increase the chances of creating a better decision, you borrowed from it to you to ultimately spend the time of this type.
Typically, if you require references, a contractor will most likely furnish some written ones. It is extremely highly suggested to require names and phone numbers of 3 recent customers and also 3 customers that have had their work done at the very least 3 years ago. This way, you'll get ideas from customers which have just finished their projects and you may also get yourself a sense of the satisfaction of customers which have had their projects completed for some time.
And (this part is essential) be sure to call them! As you're speaking with them, ask them as many questions since you can think about (while being respectful of their time, needless to say). Record their answers to the questions, plus the general feeling that you get the customer had with the contractor.
Be sure to make certain that the previous customer's situation was somewhat similar to your own. For example, was it the same project size with a similar scope of work? Was the property roughly the same age as your property? Did they live in exactly the same neighborhood as you? Results may differ pretty widely and be somewhat misleading unless you have much in common with the previous customers.
5. Who will maintain charge of the work?
Through the entire construction process, there are going to be a lot of questions, comments, concerns, and an over-all need for solid communication between all parties involved.
There will likely be many different workers actually doing the physical labor. You do not want to have to visit one of these to ask your questions. It really is ideal, therefore, to have a project manager who'll be most of your point of contact.
Ask your contractor whether there will be a dedicated project manager, or perhaps a dedicated point of- contact, who is well-familiarized with the job. By "well-familiarized" I mean that they know you, they know your neighborhood, they know your home, they know your budget, they know your targets, plus they know your expectations.
It's a simple question, "Who will maintain charge of the work?"
On the same note, you should get some details. Exactly what will the lines of communication be? Is that individual going to be here physically? AM I GOING TO have to call them on the telephone to get information? Will they be responsive to email?
Another important question concerning the actual leadership of the engagement is, "Are there likely to be any pre-planned meetings?" For example, many clients have pre-construction meetings to properly set expectations of what the construction process will entail, and what types of disruptions should be expected.
Additionally, there's often-times a meeting about mid-way through to discuss the progress of the job, any surprises that have appear, and any adjustments to the timeline of completion.
Is your contractor thinking about having such meetings?
6. What about things like dumpsters, hauling trash, port-a-potties, and general clean-up?
This topic, another important one, is rarely ever discussed in interviews that I've witnessed. It is one of those items that is a very fine detail to have to take into account when preparing to embark on a large job, like a home addition.
But the simple truth is that it is essential in terms of your overall experience. Would you like a big pile growing like bacteria on your own property? Do you wish to have to take away the trash yourself by the end of the job?
Of course you don't. And you shouldn't have to.
Bring this up frankly and discuss it with your builder before the job starts. Then through the entire span of the project, check to ensure the builder is on track with what you decided on.
Since no two jobs are exactly alike, it's difficult for us to inform you specifically what to tell your contractor. But just the fact that you read this and these details are now at the front end of one's mind, should help you avoid most potential problems.
The last thing you need is a big pile of trash to deal with prior to going inside and enjoying your brand-new living space.
7. Can you offer any financing options?
Having been in this business so long as we have, we have naturally developed several banking relationships with the ideal types of lenders. You should expect the same from your potential contractor.
Talk to them about any of it before-hand.
Many banks want to lend you money. What we've found over the past two decades is some certainly are a lot better than others at carrying it out. We have relationships with several banks which have had offered our clients great options and service.
This should be among the easy parts of doing a renovation, we will show you through the process.
If you want to learn the 7 remainder questions to ask home improvement contractors, follow this link.
Remodeling your property is an extremely long, and sometimes stressful process.
But it is also very rewarding, so long as you make certain you are employing a respected and experienced home contractor!
Knowing what things to ask your contractor is crucial - the proper questions could help choose which contractor will undoubtedly be right for you.