12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

Thinking of sprucing up your Charlottesville home before listing it for sale, or just feathering the nest for your family to enjoy?   Here are some tips for finding the right person for the job!

1. Get at least three written estimates. Friends, neighbors and family members – and your Realtor – may be able to recommend contractors to you, but make sure those recommendations are for full time professionals with whom the recommending party has actually worked. You don’t want to feel pressured to use your neighbor’s brother’s girlfriend’s father who just got started in business!

2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed. If the contractors seems to be evading giving you references, red flag!

3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints. Google is great: use it!

4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled. While this seems self evident, I am always shocked at the number of people I come across who “hire” contractors and never even bother to sign a contract with that service provider!

5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.

6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance. When the job is done, make sure the contractor follows through with getting the “certificate of occupancy, when required.

7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too. If subcontractors are used, ask to receive a written confirmation from each of then that they have been paid for the work they performed in your home.

9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.

10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.

11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.

12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

Some post content courtesy of Realtor Mag.