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7 Crucial Questions to Ask PRIOR TO STARTING a Remodeling Or Home Addition Project

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home additions

The last thing that a law-abiding homeowner needs is usually to be rooked by anybody, aside from on such a large investment.

Especially in today's financial state that we're experiencing, every dollar and every decision matters.

1. Are you licensed?

This might seem obvious, nevertheless, you wouldn't believe the number of smart, well-to-do homeowners that actually forget to ask this one very important question.

EVERY contractor engaged in "do-it-yourself" (defined below) must be licensed.

Home improvement work includes alteration, remodeling, repair or replacement of a building or part of a building used as a residence. Home improvement also contains work done on individual condominium units. Home improvement does not include work done on commonly owned regions of condominiums or buildings that contain four or even more single family units.

So let's suppose you ask a potential contractor that you're interviewing whether they're licensed or not, and they tell you "Yes". Should you stop there?

You could, but it's not advisable. How hard could it be to tell a one-word lie? True, it is harder for a few than for others, however the perpetrator may contemplate it to be a "white" lie. Perhaps they're in the process of applying for the license, or they've already applied, and just haven't been accepted yet, or they will have a friend who'll "cover it" with his license... I've heard plenty of little white lies around this question.

How to check to see in case a contractor is licensed

To inquire about the licensing status of anybody or company, a homeowner may call their states DO-IT-YOURSELF Commission.

Exceptions (i.e. individuals or companies that DON'T require a state license) include architects, electricians, plumbers or heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) contractors, but they are still necessary to have their own appropriate licenses.

Definitely ask any potential contractor if he is licensed and to see a copy of his license. Be sure to check the expiration date and that it is in good standing. If the contractor has trouble producing the license, it's probably since they don't possess it. Feel free to give them a chance to produce the physical licensing, but hiring a contractor that cannot demonstrate their license is normally a bad idea.

Why it is critical to work with a licensed contractor?

Intuitively, you know it is important to use a licensed contractor, but will there be a really difference? Well, yes, actually there is.

Firstly, states make individuals and companies pass certain criteria and jump through certain hoops, in the event that you will, to receive state licensing. This in and of itself, is a good indication that the company or individual is serious. It indicates that they are not a fly-by-night operation that partcipates in chronic fraudulent behavior.

Additionally, states investigate complaints by homeowners, awards monetary damages against licensed contractors, and prosecutes violators of the home improvement law and regulations.

Most states have established a Guaranty Fund. This Fund compensates homeowners for actual monetary losses because of poor workmanship or failure to perform a home improvement contract.

But here's the kicker, the Fund applies only to work done by licensed contractors. Each licensed contractor is covered by the Fund for up to $100,000 for all claims. Unlicensed contractors are not included in the Fund.

2. Are you experiencing general liability insurance?

Just as important as having state licensing, every contractor should have general liability insurance. This insurance is set up almost primarily for the reason why of protecting you, a contractor's customer.

In the event that something happens where your premises is damaged, having proper general liability insurance will cover the costs of the damages, in order that you don't have to pay for it!

Again, this is something that ought to be discussed on the first meeting. The contractor might possibly not have a copy of the policy with him, nevertheless, you should insist upon seeing it before hiring him.

Just these two questions, if asked each and every time by every homeowner, probably would've saved most of them from the hardships they experienced.

3. Do you guarantee your work?

Again, a very important question that's (surprisingly) mostly overlooked.

It makes sense (again, definitely on an intuitive level) that contractors should guarantee their work! Due to the fact a remodeling or additions project is really a long-term kind of thing, the guarantee should be for at least one year. In fact, it's actually a licensing requirement in the state of Maryland that contractors guarantee their work with a year.

Some contractors (mostly the nice ones) will have extended warranties.

You should start a dialogue and talk in-depth with your potential contractor about their stance on the guarantee. Generally, whenever a remodeling contractor is quite confident with their guarantees, it will shine through in the way the act when you're talking about it.

You can tell when somebody is unsure, anxious, or nervous.

If get more info sense any hesitation or any doubt when you are discussing the guarantee with your contractor, which might be a strong indication that they are not confident within their work. An unconfident contractor is similar to an unconfident surgeon-not good news.

4. Is it possible to provide some references?

This seems like another obvious one, but literally, about 50 % of homeowners don't even ask. And of those that do, most will settle for written references.

Everybody knows why it is critical to get references, but the actual process of obtaining the references can be pretty much effective, depending on how you do it.

For instance, do you settle for written references? Imagine if they were fabricated?

Can you ask to speak with individuals over the phone? What if these were somehow fabricated?

I hope this doesn't sound like there is a general idea that builders and contractors are liars. We are designers and builders ourselves and we'd never at all imply that our colleagues are less-than-honest.

But simultaneously, this is a bundle that you are buying this project, and when a little due diligence can dramatically raise the chances of creating a better decision, you owe it to yourself to spend the time in this area.

Typically, if you ask for references, a contractor will probably furnish some written ones. It is extremely highly suggested to ask for names and telephone numbers of 3 recent customers and also 3 customers which have had their work done at the very least 3 years ago. This way, you will get ideas from customers which have just finished their projects and you may also get a sense of the satisfaction of customers that have had their projects completed for some time.

And (this part is important) be sure to call them! As you're speaking with them, ask them as much questions as possible think about (while being respectful of their own time, of course). Record their answers to the questions, as well as the general feeling that you will get the client had with the contractor.

Be sure to be certain that the prior customer's situation was somewhat much like your own. For instance, was it the same project size with an identical scope of work? Was the house roughly the same age as your property? Did they live in the same neighborhood as you? Results may differ pretty widely and become somewhat misleading unless you have much in keeping with the prior customers.

5. Who will maintain charge of the work?

Throughout the construction process, you can find going to be plenty of questions, comments, concerns, and a general dependence on solid communication between all parties involved.

There will likely be many different workers actually doing the physical labor. You do not want to have to go to one of these to ask your questions. It is ideal, therefore, to get a project manager who'll be your primary point of contact.

Ask your contractor whether you will see a separate project manager, or a dedicated point of- contact, who's well-familiarized with the work. By "well-familiarized" After all that they know you, they know your neighborhood, they know your home, they know your allowance, they know your goals, plus they know your expectations.

It's a simple question, "Who'll be in charge of the job?"

On a single note, you should get some good details. What will the lines of communication be? Is that each likely to be here physically? AM I GOING TO have to call them on the telephone to obtain information? Will they be attentive to email?

Another important question concerning the actual leadership of the engagement is, "Is there going to be any pre-planned meetings?" For instance, many clients have pre-construction meetings to properly set expectations of what the construction process will entail, and what forms of disruptions should be expected.

Additionally, there's often-times a gathering about mid-way through to discuss the progress of the work, any surprises that have come up, and any adjustments to the timeline of completion.

Is your contractor thinking about having such meetings?

6. What about things like dumpsters, hauling trash, port-a-potties, and general clean-up?

This topic, another important one, is rarely ever discussed in interviews that I've witnessed. It really is one of those things that is a very details to have to take into account when preparing to embark on a large job, like a home addition.

But the simple truth is that it is very important in terms of your current experience. Do you want a big pile growing like bacteria on your own property? Do you wish to have to take away the trash yourself by the end of the job?

Of course you do not. And you shouldn't need to.

Bring this up frankly and discuss it together with your builder before the job starts. Then through the entire span of the project, check to ensure the builder is on the right track with what you agreed on.

Since no two jobs are exactly alike, it's problematic for us to tell you specifically what to tell your contractor. But just the fact that you read this and that these details are now at the front end of one's mind, should help you avoid most potential problems.

The last thing you need is really a big pile of trash to take care of prior to going inside and enjoying your new living space.

7. Do you offer any financing options?

Having been in ecommerce so long as we have, we have naturally developed several banking relationships with the ideal types of lenders. You should expect the same from your own potential contractor.

Talk to them about it before-hand.

Many banks want to lend you money. What we've found over the past two decades is some are a lot better than others at doing it. We've relationships with several banks that have had offered our clients great options and service.

This should be one of the easy parts of performing a renovation, we will show you through the process.

If you want to read the 7 remainder questions to ask home improvement contractors, follow this link.


Remodeling your home is an extremely long, and sometimes stressful process.

But it is also very rewarding, as long as you make certain you are using a respected and experienced home contractor!

Knowing what things to ask your contractor is vital - the proper questions could help you choose which contractor will undoubtedly be right for you.
valuekaren8

Saved by valuekaren8

on May 16, 23