Tips for Hiring a Contrator
Homeowners should make a list of requisites, including project details, goals, timetables, and a specific budget. This information can help to simplify the process of sifting through contractor candidates.
Contractor Selection Checklist:
  • Make sure the contractor has an established place of business.
  • Check with your municipality to be sure the contractor is licensed.
  • Determine if the contractor has liability and workers' compensation insurance and is bonded. Ask to see documentation.
  • Check a contractor's reputaion through organizations such as the BBB, Attorney General's Office or Angie's List
  • Find out if the contractor is a member of professional organizations, including the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the BBB or the National Association of Home Builders. Members of these organizations must comply with certain standards and a professional code of ethics.
  • Ask about contractor warranties and services available when the contract is completed.
  • Find out if the contractor will use employees or subcontractor. Ask how and when they will be paid, and get the answer in writing to avoid possible legal difficulties after the project is finished.
    If the interview and investigation phase goes smoothly, homeowners then should request detailed, written estimates from their contractor finalists.
  • Estimates should detail materials, labor, timetable and cost.
  • Make sure you get at least three estimates when requesting a quote. Make sure that the companies are quoting the job in a similar fashion, with like materials.
  • Remember, the lowest price is not always the best value. Good contractors will build the cost of good customer service into their bid and will frequently have higher overhead
  • After selecting a contractor, a detailed contract should be drawn and signed by both sides before the project begins.

Elements to include in a contract:
  1. Business address, phone numbers, and other contact information.
  2. Details of what will - and will not - be done.
  3. Material information such as size, model, brand names and cost.
  4. Approximate start and completion dates.
  5. Building plans, if used,
  6. Price and payment schedule.
  7. Warranty information.
  8. Arbitration clauses, in case of disagreement.