How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor
Hiring a remodeling contractor can be a daunting task. Unlike building a new home, you will be living your life alongside the contractor you select to complete your renovation. You’ll want to find a contractor that you can trust to do quality work while doing their best to minimize interruptions to your daily life.
Whether your renovation is large or small, there are many things to consider in order to make your project run smoothly. You may be wondering about the safety of your family while workers are coming in and out of your house. Other concerns would be accessibility and communication. Will you hand over a substantial check and then wonder when or if the contractor will return? If they disappear, how hard will it be to find them? Are they Licensed in Massachusetts? Are they a registered Home Improvement Contractor with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts? Will you have a written contract listing the start and completion dates as required by state law? How detailed will the plans and scope of work be?
Here are 10 tips to help you hire a reliable contractor:
Find a contractor with a physical business location
Often, visiting a potential remodeler’s place of business can help determine if he or she is a good fit. If the office is clean and organized, most likely that’s the way they will operate at your home. Is the staff helpful and friendly? It’s also helpful to know where they are based in the event they stop returning calls or fail to complete the work.Look for a company whose process is clearly defined and readily available to view
Remodeling projects have many different steps between your first meeting with the contractor to the final finish work. Understanding what to expect from your contractor and when, not only alleviates some anxiety you may have, but also holds him or her accountable.Request a copy of their current Massachusetts Construction Supervisor’s License
Hiring a licensed contractor is very important. Contractors that have earned their license are invested in their profession. They understand and adhere to current local building codes and obtain proper permits for their projects.Request a copy of their current Home Improvement Contractor Registration
Massachusetts requires all remodeling contractors to register with the state as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC). This is a separate designation than the Construction Supervisor’s License. The HIC is a guaranty fund that helps protect homeowners when a registered contractor takes a payment and disappears. If the contractor is not registered you will not have access to those funds.Request a certificate of insurance showing liability, auto, and worker’s compensation coverage
Insurance is a major component to protecting your assets. Liability insurance will protect you should there be work-related damage to your property. Auto insurance will also protect your property should someone accidentally back into your vehicle or property. Worker’s Compensation is to protect employees of the company, however, if a contractor doesn’t have worker’s comp, the workers could potentially file a claim against your homeowner’s policy. If a contractor claims they do not need Worker’s Compensation because they are a “one man crew” you should take that as a red flag.Request a copy of their contract
Having a copy of the contract will give you the opportunity to view the terms and conditions and to ask questions. A well written contract will offer protections for both parties. Be sure the contract includes a section for the start and completion dates as that is required by Massachusetts law.Request to see an example of their blueprints/plans
Many contractors do a great job at explaining the scope and details of the project verbally. However, often times a project start date is weeks or months after signing a contract. Having comprehensive plans and notes will ensure details will not be missed. Requesting a copy of the contractor’s typical plans is a great way to know what to expect when it’s time to sign a contract.Ask for references from past clients
Honest information from homeowners who have recently worked with your contractor is very valuable. Be sure to ask if there were any areas where the contractor could have done better.Ask if their employees have passed a background check and drug screening
You may feel slightly uncomfortable having strangers in your home, and rightfully so. A contractor who takes the necessary steps to ensure their team has no criminal or drug issues will ease most of your concerns.Inquire if they offer online access to the project schedule, invoices, change orders, and daily logs
Communication is key. If your contractor offers an online portal to view updates about your project, you’ll be able to log in at any time to see the progress, as well as view what will be coming next. When both you and your contractor are on the same page, there’s a much lower chance that errors will occur.
By following these tips, you’ll be educating yourself so you can make the best decision when hiring a remodeling contractor. You’ll be alleviating stress and starting off with good communication, so when you do choose a contractor and your project commences, you’ll already be off to a great start.