What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring them?
Question:
Answers:
references are good, but those are loaded.
it really depends on what you're hiring them for.
make sure they are currently licensed (easily checked on line), if the state licensing board has any complaints against them, make absolutely sure that they have current liability and workers comp insurance in good standing, once hired, request certificates of insurance listing yourself and your address (this will cover your butt).
How long have they been in business? how long have employees been with them? photos of other projects
I can go on and on and on with this
e-mail me if you wish to go further on this.
The first thing you should ask for are references. You need to speak to people he's actually done work for. Also, ask the better business bureau if they have them on file.
References and you ask his references all the questions. than you ask him.
Also get their contractor's license #.
to show you pictures of similar work performed
and a list of references you can call.
ask to see their licenses and permit and if they are bonded
to perform the work
don't let them sub the work out either
References, written estimate that includes TIME FRAME as well as cost.
References, warranties (have a lawyer check the legalize before signing a contract if you're having major work done), check bbb.org status, check their license status with your state, ask about their insurance coverage, google them to see if there are other sources of complaints or praise, also get several quotes for cost and how long it will take (and never go with the cheapest one!), try to find one that doesn't subcontract or who minimally subcontracts.
Go to www.nari.org and go to home owners tab and scroll down on to questiob to ask.
ask for references
is he licensed or acreditted
Is he insured
does he charge for an estimate
ya might ask how long he has been in business
how many employees doe he have?
how many would be on your job
will he be on the worksite every day or will he occasionally show up to see how his workers are doing
if he hesitates in answering these questions especially the first five then get someone else.
Certificate of Insurance and References.
Make sure the price they give you is for the whole job. Sometimes they run into problems and the job takes longer then they thought it would, they try to get you to pay for the time difference that they have to pay their workers. Sometimes they'll come to you and say I miscalculated the cost of supplies so you owe me this much more many. Get a set price for what you're having done and let them pay for their own mistakes out of their pockets, not yours.
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