Whether you’re planning an addition for a growing family or simply
getting new storm windows, finding a competent and reliable
contractor is the first step to a successful and satisfying home
improvement project. Your home may be your most valuable financial
asset. That’s why it’s important to be cautious when you hire
someone to work on it.
Home improvement and repair and maintenance contractors often
advertise in newspapers, the Yellow Pages, and on the radio and TV.
However, don’t consider an ad an indication of the quality of a
contractor’s work. Your best bet is a reality check from those in
the know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement
work done. Get written estimates from several firms. Ask for
explanations for price variations. Don’t automatically choose the
lowest bidder.
Interview each contractor you’re considering. Here are some
questions to ask.
| How long have you been in business? |
| Look for a well-established company and check it out with
consumer protection officials. They can tell you if there are
unresolved consumer complaints on file. One caveat: No record of
complaints against a particular contractor doesn’t necessarily mean
no previous consumer problems. It may be that problems exist, but
have not yet been reported, or that the contractor is doing business
under several different names. |
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| Are you licensed and registered with the
state? |
| While most states license electrical and plumbing contractors,
only 36 states have some type of licensing and registration statutes
affecting contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty contractors. The
licensing can range from simple registration to a detailed
qualification process. Also, the licensing requirements in one
locality may be different from the requirements in the rest of the
state. Check with your local building department or consumer
protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your
area. If your state has licensing laws, ask to see the contractor’s
license. Make sure it’s current. |
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| How many projects like mine have you
completed in the last year? |
| Ask for a list. This will help you determine how familiar the
contractor is with your type of project. |
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| Will my project require a permit? |
| Most states and localities require permits for building
projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor
will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your
project. Be suspicious if the contractor asks you to get the
permit(s). It could mean that the contractor is not licensed or
registered, as required by your state or locality. |
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| May I have a list of references? |
| The contractor should be able to give you the names, addresses,
and phone numbers of at least three clients who have projects
similar to yours. Ask each how long ago the project was completed
and if you can see it. Also, tell the contractor that you’d like to
visit jobs in progress. |
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| Will you be using subcontractors on this
project? |
| If yes, ask to meet them, and make sure they have current
insurance coverage and licenses, if required. Also ask them if they
were paid on time by this contractor. A "mechanic’s lien" could be
placed on your home if your contractor fails to pay the
subcontractors and suppliers on your project. That means the
subcontractors and suppliers could go to court to force you to sell
your home to satisfy their unpaid bills from your project. Protect
yourself by asking the contractor, and every subcontractor and
supplier, for a lien release or lien waiver. |
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| What types of insurance do you carry? |
| Contractors should have personal liability, worker’s
compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of
insurance certificates, and make sure they’re current. Avoid doing
business with contractors who don’t carry the appropriate insurance.
Otherwise, you’ll be held liable for any injuries and damages that
occur during the project. |
Talk with some of the remodeler’s former customers. They can help
you decide if a particular contractor is right for you. You may want
to ask:
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Can
I visit your home to see the completed job?
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Were you satisfied with the project?
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Was
it completed on time?
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Did
the contractor keep you informed about the status of the project,
and any problems along the way?
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Were there unexpected costs? If so, what were they?
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Did
workers show up on time?
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Did
they clean up after finishing the job?
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Would you recommend the contractor?
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Would you use the contractor again?
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For additional information about how to hire a window
contractor please call Shiner Roofing, Siding and Windows at 1-888-312-2001 or
use the button below to request your no-obligation windows appointment.