Tips On Selecting a Home Remodeler

Home remodeling can be expensive, noisy and difficult.  It can be much worse if you are not working with a remodeler that is professional and responsive.  How do you find one and what do you say when you first speak by phone?  I offer some tips to make the job easier! Questions to Ask the Contractor: 1. How long have you been in business?  2. Are you licensed and insured?  3. Are you currently registered as a Builder and is your certificate available for review?  4. How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?  5. Do you have design services available?  6. Have you done background checks on your employees? 7. Will we need a permit for this job?  8. Can you direct me to or recommend a financing source?  9. Can I see a remodel in progress and/or a completed one?  10. Can you provide me with a list of references covering projects from the past and present? Questions to Ask Previous Customers: 1. Did the contractor communicate well with you?  2. Were you pleased with the quality of work?  3. Did the crews show up on time?  4. Did the contractor stick to the budget?  5. Was the job completed on schedule?  6. Did the contractor fulfill his or her contract?  7. Was the contractor flexible?  8. Did your contractor seem genuinely interested in the project's outcome?  9. Was the contractor accessible? (Could you reach him or her when you needed to?)  10. Most importantly, would you recommend this contractor to your mother?  What to Avoid / Red Flag Areas: 1. Be cautious when given vague or partial answers.  2. The contractor is not accessible.  3. The contractor does not listen to your needs as a homeowner.  4. Companies which can not be found in the phone book or listed with professional or trade organizations.  5. Companies who cannot provide copies of insurance, license or references. 6. Oral agreements, get everything in writing.  7. Request of deposits or payments in cash. Always pay by check.  8. Companies who offer a "special discount" for any reason, if you sign today.  9. Contracts which do not have a very clear description of the scope of work to be performed. 10. Contractors who do not present a portfolio of previous work.  Questions?  Contact me and I will do my best to help! AD