How to find that Contractor!

Finding a competent and reliable contractor is the first step to a successful and satisfying home improvement project. Get a recommendation from friends or family, but also check them out on the Better Business Bureau along with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of members in your area. You can also ask your local building inspector, they will know which contractors routinely meet code requirements.

TIP #1 - Please show me all your credentials

Yes, you would be surprised at how many contractors do not have there licenses or insurance up to date. (Remember they are feeling the pinch of these economic times too), and of course the good contractors know not to let something like this slide. Every state or county has different rules, but most require a license and insurance, please ask to see both, and ask where you can verify it. Make sure they present a certificate of insurance prior to starting the job.

TIP # 2 - How many and how long have you been a GC?

GC stands for General Contractor. Ask them for references to some of there earlier jobs, and give them a call and make sure the "job" has stood the test of time! Also it is wiser to have a contractor who has been in business for 7-20 years, this will have given him sufficient time to weed out the subcontractors that are not up to par, along with maintaining a reputation in the community. Of course a newer contractor, that has worked many years as a foreman and is breaking out on his own, will hopefully work with you on price, and should have the knowledge to get the job done... correctly!

TIP # 3 - Speaking of the Job Foreman!

The GC, may actually be the owner, or a salesman. It is the job foreman, that will be there day in and day out at your home. Ask to go see the jobsite of the foreman that will be working on your job. Go see it towards the end of there day, and see how clean it is at the end of the day. (hopefully they clean up!)

TIP # 4 - Bid and estimate or a fixed price?

Double check and make sure you are getting a fixed price and not an estimate from the contractor. If they claim there are too many unknowns, then within reason, let them eliminate them. Any unknowns that are left, leave to the side and have the work done later with a change order. Also very important is to have your bid itemized. You need to know the type of wood they will be using, the grade of the cabinets. The GC should not give you a hard time about itemization because they need to know down to the penny what it will cost line by line.

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