When it’s time to renovate the home, making sure the right contractor is in charge of the job is crucial. Before hiring a contractor, be sure to ask the following questions. This helps ensure you know what to expect from the contractor and can help you avoid some of the most common issues people have when they hire the wrong contractor.
What is the Estimated Timeline for the Work?
Along with deciding when to hire a contractor, it’s important to decide when to start the project. Ask when the contractor can get started and how long it will take for the project to be completed to get a good idea of when everything will be done.
What is the Breakdown of Costs?
The breakdown of costs is crucial. It’s important to know exactly where the money for the renovation is going and how it will be spent to ensure the contractor is providing an estimate that is not too high or too low.
How Much Money is Required to Start?
A down payment is typically required before the work will begin. Make sure to get this number so the funds will be ready and to ensure you’re not expected to pay the entire amount upfront.
How is Scheduling Handled?
Make sure you understand how they’ll schedule subcontractors needed for any work during the renovation. The scheduling makes a huge difference in how quickly everything comes together and whether the project will eventually be on hold waiting for a subcontractor to do their work.
Is the Contractor Licensed?
If licensing is required, make sure the contractor is licensed. If licensing isn’t required, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they are licensed anyways. Licensing is a sign of a professional contractor. At the same time, check to see if they have the relevant certifications for your project. For instance, check to see if they have had the relevant Lead Renovation Training as this is a crucial step in protecting you as the client, as well as the firm, the workers, and the contractor himself.
Does the Contractor Have Liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurance?
If the contractor doesn’t have any insurance and a worker is injured on your property, you could be liable for the medical bills. Make sure anyone working on the property is covered under liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
Will Permits be Pulled as Required?
Most places will require permits for certain jobs to ensure they are done properly and inspected before the renovation is completed. Make sure the contractor will pull any necessary permits and handle any inspections for the property.
What Will be Done to Protect the Property?
Renovations create a lot of dust that can cause damage to other parts of the home if workers aren’t careful. Ask about how they’ll protect the rest of the property from the dust to minimize the potential for costly damage in the rest of the house.
How Can the Property Owner Contact the Contractor During the Project?
There are going to be questions and concerns throughout the project, and it’s possible something will need to be changed. Make sure you know who to contact in case you need to discuss any part of the project.
What is the Best Way to Communicate?
Along with knowing who to contact, make sure to understand the best way to communicate with them. It may be faster to email or text them instead of calling, for instance, as they can check this even when they’re near loud equipment.
If you’re planning on having a contractor handle a home renovation project, make sure you ask the right questions before hiring them. This helps you prevent certain issues, like the work not being permitted, and can help you find the right contractor to handle the job.
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