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Feb 17 2009, 9:09 AM EST GShuber 4 words added, 2 words deleted
Feb 17 2009, 9:07 AM EST GShuber 299 words added, 123 words deleted

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Contractor FAQ

Ask questions on finding, hiring, and working with a contractor. If you have experience working with contractors, share your tips and advice!
<< Also see the page on kitchen and bath designers>>

Q: How do you check their credentials to be sure they know what they're doing?
A:

Check with your state DLLR (department of labor licensing and regulation) to verify current license status. If you are the homeowner doing the work do not be afraid to ask for proof of insurance. Generally you will contact the insurance company and have a copy sent directly to you.
With that being said, not everyone that has a license knows what they are doing. If you request referrals and previous work photos this should cover any suprises.
Q: I want to hear how a contractor did on other jobs. Is it okay to ask for the phone numbers of previous clients?
A:
sure it is. Ask ask ask.

Q: How many estimates should you get before you start?
A: 3 is a good number and if you know someone who has used a contractor doesn't mean they will do as good of a job for you as they did for them!

3 is good. Our rule of thumb in dealing with sub-contractors is toss the high and low and use the man in the middle. Dont be afraid to go with your gut feeling. If something seems totoo good IT IS!IS! Dont be afraid to ask questions on the pricing, you may get lucky and find that your low price guy has materials left over from another job and is giving you a break.
DO NOT SETTLE! Always remember, Your House Your Project Your Rules.
Q: I've heard you should budget an extra 10% onto a contractor's estimate for cost overruns. I'm on a tight budget, and can't afford that. How do I make sure the contractor stays strictly to the estimate?
A: Get your contract in writing always!

If you are on a budget make sure you let the contractor know up front. A good contractor should be able to fit your requirements into a REALISTIC budget number, or make suggestions on where to change so that you can meet that number.
As a rule of thumb estimates are just that, estimating. As long as everything is clearly stated in your CONTRACT you will generally not run into cost overrun. READ THE CONTRACT. There are clauses in the contracts to cover unforseen items which is usually where you have additional charges, these are not uncommon in rennovations and remodels. There are paragraphs that also cover change orders and allowances, become familiar with these. Most change orders come when the homeowner decides on a different material, this is also normal from new construction to remodel. Always stay in communication with your contractor as this will alleviate many headaches.

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