Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Job

Remodeling a property can be exciting and daunting at the same time. With the unexpected challenges, questions, problems and decisions that pop up during every remodel, you want to be confident your contractor will be there as a knowledgeable, helpful guide in the process.

Here are some tips to help ensure you find the right contractor:

• Plan your project carefully and know exactly what you want and need done before meeting with a contractor. This will lessen the chances of misunderstandings, which could cost you additional time and money



• Interview several registered contractors before signing a contract



• Ask all contractors to provide written, complete bids



• Verify all potential contractors’ registration with your state’s labor department



• Ask for references (and you should) and check them! If possible, visit a work site currently in progress, and then talk to past clients



• Ask for references of suppliers the contractor works with and then follow up for information



• Ask the contractor to post a performance bond, if the project is projected to cost more than $6,000



• Discuss potential problems with the contractor before they come up, such as cleanup, time overruns and unanticipated costs. Determine how each issue will be handled before signing on

Interviewing a prospective contractor is much like interviewing a prospective tenant; your screening should be just as thorough.