Home Owner Tips:

Choosing your Contractor.

Always interview and get three estimates from three different Contractors.

While you are asking for estimates, give every contractor the same information so your comparison is consistent. Be sure the information you are providing is sufficiently complete so that they can provide you realistic and accurate numbers and time frames.

How to Interview a Contractor

When interviewing a potential contractor, it s important to ask these six questions:

1. Are you licensed and bonded in this city and state?

If your potential contractor has a license, get the number and call your local building department's licensing office to validate it. Also, contact your Better Business Bureau and state Consumer Protection Agency to find out what is required to obtain a license in your state.

2. Ask them to provide you  with 3 references from jobs done in the last year.

Use references to check your contractor's work history, reliability and ability to stay on budget and schedule. Do not be afraid to quiz the references on the specifics of the work they had done and to what level they were satisfied with the work. If there were problems of significance, that is what you want to know.

3. What insurance do you have?

A legitimate contractor should come to you insured. They should have general liability, workman's compensation, auto insurance, and property and personal liability. Ask for a copy of your contractors insurance because the last thing you want is legal and financial responsibility should an accident take place on your property.

4. Ask them how experienced they are.

Find out how long your contractor has been in business. Anything over five years is usually a sign of a reliable, stable business. A work history less than this time period does not mean the person is not qualified or sufficiently experienced for the job. It simply means your risk might be a little higher.

5. Do you have a portfolio?

Most contractors will have before and after photographs of their past work. Look through these to get an idea of the type of work your contractor does and his or her abilities.

6. Ask for a detailed estimate.

Ideally, you want an estimate or quote that s itemized and includes labor, materials, and a schedule. Ask for it in writing so you can easily compare it to estimates you receive from other contractors.