First Things First: How To Select A Contractor

For most people this is the hardest part of any project and they don’t know where to begin or who to ask.

Some say never hire a friend or a relative. This may stand true because if for any reason something goes wrong during the job you may jeopardize your relationship with that person.

Sometimes word of mouth is a great source for finding a contractor but a good lead on a contractor can sometimes be like a good lead on a stock.

Remember to always check out any contractor you consider hiring.

Every job is different from other jobs and requires the right professional to do the jobs they are qualified to do. So just because the guy down the street had a contractor paint his house, and said he did a good job, doesn’t mean that contractor is qualified to remove and replace the roof on your house although he may say he is.

Always protect your investment.

By knowing the right questions to ask the contractor you are interviewing you can make an educated decision on who you hire.

Below I will show you a list of questions that you should ask a contractor while interviewing him.

1.
How long have you been in business?
If he claims to have 25 years experience, ask how long his company has been in business. You can verify this several ways. First you can and should ask for his contractors registration no. By law he has to have one. With this number you can learn all about him on the Contractors Registration Board’s web site. There link is provided to you on this website.

2.
Are you fully insured?
Ask him to verify this by having his insurance agent send you directly a copy of his insurance certificate. Make sure it specifies liability insurance AND workman’s comp. Insurance. This is very important. If an injury accurse and the contractor does not have workman’s comp. you may be held responsible for the expenses. Also it is important to verify if you are considering hiring him to do roofing work that there is a special coverage for roofing that he must have by law. Some incompetent contractors have inadequate insurance to keep their prices lower than legitimate contractors.

3.
Can you give me references from similar work you have done recently and 5 or 10 years ago?
Myself, I save references from 30 years ago. Sometimes a better reference comes from a customer years ago who may of called me back on a minor issue that I resolved for them.

4.
Who will be supervising the job?
Will that supervisor be on the job or in an office?

5.
When will you start the job and when will the job be completed?
These dates should be specified in writing in the contract.

6.
Once you begin my job will you stay on it uninterrupted, or will you be doing multiple jobs at the same time.
Some contractors spared themselves too thin and that’s when things go wrong.

7.
Will your quote include everything including materials, all labor, permits, temporary power services if needed, all necessary flashings, debris removal?
Be careful of the contractor who comes in with a low bid and then adds in expenses as he goes.

8.
Is there any unforeseen problems or extra work I may need to properly complete this project that you would be aware of that may remotely come up during the project?
A good contractor will tell you every possible situation that may occur during any job before you sign any contract so you know the very most it can cost you.

9.
How long will you warrantee this job for in writing?
Remember, a warrantee is only as good as the one giving it. Always ask for a minimum of 5 years warrantee on all labor.

10.
How will you expect payment terms?
Most contractors will require some money in advance and progress payments and this is understandable because they do have expenses, but never agree to pay more than half of the total job before the job is completed. This just keeps everyone honest and prepared to complete the project in a timely manner.