Remodeling your home is an important decision. Hence it is strongly advisable to have a detailed discussion with the home remodeling contractor you plan to hire. Below is a list of some of the questions that should definitely be on your list to help make the process as smooth and hassle free as possible.
1. What precautions is your team maintaining in view of the COVID 19 pandemic?
Given the rapid spread of the COVID pandemic, safety is paramount, especially if personnel will be required to work inside your home. It is important and perfectly acceptable to ask the contractor you hire what safety measures their teams will be adhering to when they work inside or even outside your home.Some of the measures most reputable contractors take include frequent sanitization of hands, wearing masks and possible social distancing norms.
2. How many years of experience do you have?
Experience level is one of the best indicators of level of expertise and craftsmanship. Experienced contractors usually have the required systems and controls to complete a project on time and within the set budget. They are also better equipped to share creative and practical ideas to help you get the best outcome from your project.
3. Can you share some references from the area?
It is always useful to request the contractor for some references. It’s ideal if you can get references for the similar kind of work you are looking to get done. If you can take the time to call some of these references, it will help you make a much more informed decision. Most contractors will also have reviews published online. It is a good idea to check these out before hiring.
4. Are you licensed & insured?
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of working with licensed and insured professionals. As a homeowner, you are authorized to ask the contractor you are working with for a copy of their licence and insurance policy. Contractors should ideally have both workers compensation and liability insurance for the type of job you are looking to get done.
5. What are the timelines of the project and expected deviations (if any)?
Most experienced contractors will be able to give you a rough estimate of the expected duration of the project. They can also give you a fair idea of the possible circumstances that may affect project timelines. This is particularly important since contractors are usually working on multiple projects at a time.
6. What is the cost estimate and the payment schedule?
Most reputable contractors will only require you to pay a part of the project fee in advance. Always request your contractor to provide a payment schedule based on the project milestones. This will give you better visibility into the payments and avoid unnecessary issues at a later stage.
7. Do you have an understanding of the local permits required and will you be obtaining them?
Some types of home remodeling projects, for example building a deck or changing the structure of your home will require permits to be obtained from the local authorities. A contractor with an understanding of the local building codes and processes can help you obtain the required permissions in a hassle free manner.
8. What will be the working hours and how many personnel will be on site?
Clear expectations around working hours and number of people on-site will help you plan your daily routine and ensure minimal disturbances. If you have any preferences around start and end times or silent hours, it’s best to have a discussion with your contractor before the project begins.
9. Is there a warranty for the materials or services you will use?
Most contractors offer a warranty or guarantee on their work, and we recommend understanding ahead of time what it covers and how long it will remain in effect. In addition, the materials used during the project may have a manufacturer’s warranty. Requesting a copy of this information can help you save on maintenance costs at a later stage.
10. Who will be my primary contact on the project?
More likely than not, the person you interact with during the initial stages for the estimate will not be the one managing your project on-site on a daily basis. You should request for the contact info for the project lead or the project manager whom you can approach for any day-to-day issues.
While this may seem like a long list. Ironing out these issues early on, can help ensure that the process is smooth and hassle-free. If you are looking for home remodeling services, MW Construction can provide you with top-class services at a reasonable price irrespective of the size of your project. To get a free estimate for any home remodeling requirements in the South Jersey area, reach out to us.