Questions to Consider When Hiring a Contractor
Planning your remodeling or reconstruction project is such an exciting time. The prospect of a new space with more functional components creates a space customized to your family’s needs.
However, before you get started on the project and see your vision come to fruition, you’ll need to find a reliable and experienced contractor who can successfully see your project from start to completion.
To help you achieve the remodel you are expecting, it is critical to find and hire a contractor who not only is experienced and a professional in the industry, but also knows how to communicate effectively and can stay on time and within your budget as much as possible.
Here are a few questions you may want to consider when you are on your search for a great contractor.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
Many industries have requirements regarding licensure and insurance mandates. Contracting is one such area. According to Mass.gov, the state of Massachusetts requires registered contractors to follow certain requirements regarding contracts, payments, advertising, business practices, etc. These laws and regulations provide standards throughout the industry and provide protection for homeowners from being taken advantage of by a bad contractor. If you hire an unregistered contractor and a problem arises with the contractor’s work, you will not be eligible to seek arbitration through the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), nor will you be eligible to apply for or seek money through the Guaranty Fund.
How Will You Communicate With Me About the Project?
Many contractors try to communicate on a regular basis with homeowners to keep them informed of the progress and potential delays or changes to the plan.
At Sordan Construction, we assign a dedicated Project Manager to supervise and coordinate the project. This person will be your main point of contact and will give you regular updates and answer all your questions with regard to the project.
To make things clear in the communication department, we provide real-time updates on the work performed during the week and the work planned for the following week. Once the project starts you will be invited to download a mobile app to monitor and communicate in real-time with the Project Manager.
How Long Have You Been in the Industry?
Contractors who have lots of experience, especially in your area, know the ins and outs of permitting, suppliers, and potential pitfalls. The more experienced a contractor is, the more a contractor will be able to see issues coming before they arrive and solve them before they impact a project.
Additionally, the more experienced a contractor is means they have worked with permitting authorities and can handle the red tape that many homeowners are hoping to avoid.
This question can be followed up by asking for references or researching online reviews as well as the grade on the Better Business Bureau site.
What Timeline Does Your Crew Keep?
Homeowners often want to know when the crew will arrive in the morning and when they will leave in the afternoon. Information on clean-up procedures can also be helpful.
What Is the Payment Schedule?
Having a clear picture of how much you will need to put down and how much will need to be paid upon completion of the project is critical to know. Be wary of contractors that ask for too much upfront.
What Safety and Security Protocols Will You Take on My Property?
Obviously, keeping the property secure is important for the health and safety of everyone still living in the house. Ask about fencing that may be installed or how the project area will be secured at the end of every shift.
