So you are ready to remodel
your home. Or, you have some issues that you have been avoiding for some time,
and you are finally ready to have them repaired. First, you will have to find a
home repair specialist or a contractor. There are a lot of different methods of
finding the right individual or company, you can ask around to other homeowners
that you know or who live in your community. Or, you can search them out by
advertisements or on the Internet.
After you have selected who
you think you would like to use, you should be sure to interview them. You do
not want to entrust your home repair to just anyone, you want to be sure it is
someone qualified and reputable. There are many things that you can and should
ask of a potential home repair contractor or home repair specialist. Some of
these questions should include:
- Are you a licensed and
registered contractor in your field of expertise? While some states license
electrical and plumbing contractors, there are only a certain number of states
that actually require license or registration for other types of home repair.
So it’s a great idea to investigate and find out what your state requires.
- Will the job I would like
you to perform require a permit? If the
contractor who you are dealing with does not know, then they are likely not who
you should use. If the contractor is competent then they should know all about
the permit regulations and be prepared to obtain them before even beginning
work on your project.
- Do you have experience with
my type of project? How many different projects similar to mine have you
completed over the past couple of years?
If the contractor you select is worthwhile they should have names and
telephone numbers of people that can attest to their ability and workmanship.
Ask them for a list of people, and take time to contact them before you start
paying for any type of repair.
- References: Contractors
should have a list ready for you to check. Part of the referral process should
include you contacting the Better Business Bureau to check on them. Also find
out if they plan to do all the work themselves. If they are going to use sub
contractors, find out the information for their subcontractors, also.
- Do you cover your business
completely with full insurance coverage? While this seems like a simple thing,
you would perhaps be surprised at the number of businesses that do not carry
enough insurance coverage. Then, when something goes wrong you as the homeowner
are left holding the bag. Contractors should have personal liability, workers
compensation, and property damage coverage. Check with the local insurance
board to see if they have made any claims against their own insurance, or
anyone else’s for that matter.
By taking these simple steps
you can make sure you are dealing with a reputable contractor, and avoid a lot
of heartache and hurt later.