A renovation is a major project within your home and can cost thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars. Before signing on to bring a contractor into your home for renovations, you need to properly vet the company. Here are seven questions you need to ask any home renovation contractor to determine whether they are right for the job.
What is the Job Schedule? How Long Will This Take?
Every contractor job needs a schedule. It shouldn’t just prolong for months until one day the renovation is deemed complete. While delays can happen in the world of construction, having a general estimate and schedule to follow is important. From the desired end date to when different aspects of the home renovation will finish, this is important and should be provided.
What is Your Business History? Can I have Referrals?
When spending this kind of money on any service provider, always look into their business history. With a contractor, you want to know about their license, make sure it is current and request a list of previous clients with phone numbers. Direct word of mouth reviews of the contractor can help put to rest any possible issues you have with the contractor, or it might bring up situations to watch out for. Also, ask the contractor if they are a member of any kind of guild (like a National Association of the Remodeling Industry).
Can I Have That in Writing?
Whatever the contractor provides you, always ask for it in writing. Whether a promise to meet a set deadline or to keep it under a specified price, get it in writing. This protects you in the event of problems later on and it also helps build a foundation of trust between you and the contractor.
How Can I Contact You?
It’s your house. You need to know what’s going on. Ask about communication and how they intend on contacting you. Whether phone, email or sending you information on a cloud account, you need updates and insights on the job, so establish a communication line early.
Who Supervises the Work?
Ask who will be on site during work. Perhaps it is the head contractor you sign with, or maybe it is a secondary manager the contractor trusts. You need to know who is in charge of the crew. This helps communication when you are at the house.
What Kind of Documents Do I Need?
Chances are, you need proper documentation at the completion of the job. Beyond blueprints, you may need new documents detailing the work (especially if you intend on selling the house later). Ask this before the job starts to the contractor knows to save everything.
What is Your Daily Schedule? When Will You Start and Stop?
What time will work start? When will people start showing up? This information helps you alter your own schedule to fit the contractors.
Stay tuned to Marrokal.com for more handy renovation tips.