There is nothing quite like a remodeling project to stir up excitement in a homeowner. Out with the old, in with the new, and one step closer to your dream property.
With that said, a renovation can quickly become stressful–and a financial pit–if you get involved with a shady contractor. To avoid this scenario, keep reading as we explore 7 questions every homeowner should ask a contractor before signing on the dotted line.
1. Are You Fully Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
The horror stories abound.
A friend of a friend’s cousin can install your hardwood floors for half the cost of the company on Main Street.
They come in, tear up your floor, and skip town, leaving you with a half-price mess with no recourse on how to make things right.
No matter how affordable the quote, do not work with a contractor who is not fully licensed, bonded, and insured. It will give you the peace of mind that the contractor is legally permitted to do the work and that you will have financial recourse in the event of damage and/or inadequate performance.
2. Do You Have Experience Working With Composite Materials?
It is an expectation for contractors to be adept at working with classic materials. A siding professional should know their way around wood planks. A roofer should be able to install cedar shingle roofing. A flooring contractor should have experience laying down linoleum.
However, many of these classic products are being bypassed for more innovative composites in the contemporary market. Materials such as synthetic cedar shakes, fiber cement siding, and engineered quartz countertops are just a few of the composites replacing their old-fashioned peers.
If you are looking into sustainable remodeling projects, these options have likely shown up on your radar. You would do well to double-check with your contractor and make sure they are experienced in their application.
3. Can You Walk Me Through An Estimated Timeline?
It’s only natural: you want your renovation done yesterday.
But for the sanity of everyone involved, it’s best to have realistic expectations. It will allow you to move on with your life while work is being performed and keep your contractor from feeling like you are breathing down their neck at every turn.
An experienced professional should be able to give you a detailed estimate for how long the project will take at each step of the process:
- Demolition
- Structural work
- Installations
- Inspections
- Finishing touches
- Cleanup
A seasoned professional will also have contingencies in place for weather delays, material supply chain issues, and any other unforeseen event to help keep your project moving along the expected timeline.
4. Do You Offer a Warranty?
Any reputable contractor should back their work with a warranty on both labor and materials. Some questions to ask include:
- What does your warranty cover, and for how long?
- Is the warranty offered straight from you, or is it contingent on manufacturer validation?
- How do I go about making a warranty claim should an issue arise?
It is important to reiterate that many material warranties are negated due to installation issues, so it is paramount to confirm that your contractor has experience with the materials you select.
5. Can You Provide Any Material Recommendations?
Materials can make or break the project. They will affect the longevity, energy efficiency, and overall satisfaction of the renovation. Many times, homeowners will know what they want the end result to be but have little idea which materials can help them get there.
This is where an experienced contractor should come in. They should have the confidence and expertise to vouch for top-notch materials while waving the red flag on bargain-basement options that will likely result in dissatisfaction. From the best deck tiles for outdoor patios to the sleekest soundproof panels for open-concept living rooms, be sure to pick your contractor’s brain for material options that will take the project to the next level.
6. How Do You Stay On Budget?
It is no secret that the cost of home improvement has gone up in recent years. From material price increases to labor shortages, there are numerous factors driving costs up.
From a homeowner’s perspective, shelling out the cash is one thing. Having the contractor come back and say that it will be more than expected–after work has commenced, no less–is another entirely.
Therefore, ask for a detailed budget before beginning work. Make sure that the line items are comprehensive to your satisfaction. Red flag any items you feel may result in scope creep, and ask the contractor to budget contingencies into the quote.
7. Will You Handle All of the Cleanup?
(Photo courtesy of Fuzion Field Services)
It’s the creed of any tradesperson who takes pride in their job:
“The job is not finished until all signs of work are cleaned up.”
However, don’t just assume that this is the standard. Circling back to the detailed budget, if you are not seeing a line item for cleanup and/or waste removal, it may be your responsibility to haul off the old stuff. Also check with the contractor to see what their policy is for cleaning any hazardous spills or potentially toxic materials that show up during the process.
The 7 Essential Questions to Ask a Contractor Ahead of a Renovation
A renovation can quickly turn sour with a bad contractor experience. From double-checking licenses to guaranteeing comprehensive cleanup, consider the 7 essential questions listed above before hiring a contractor. For more of the latest trends in upstate New York real estate, explore the content at Find the Home Pros for the leading market insights!
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