6 Questions You Need to Ask Before Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor
by Joe Goldstein on Mar 10, 2020
If you are planning to hire a contractor for some remodel work, it’s vital that you do your research and ask the right questions. Here are a few to get you started.
Did You Ever Do Business Using Another Name?
You must be paying attention to the way the question is answered. If they operated using another name, chances are they won’t want to speak with you about it.
If they have, it may mean that it had been shut down because of shady practices, like asking people to pay upfront and disappear before they completed the work. This is the last thing you want to happen.
What’s the Number of Your License?
In a lot of states, contractors have to register with their state so they can do business. Having a license number will let you verify any judgments or claims they have against them. It also will show if they owned another business using another name.
How can You Be Reached?
You should definitely ask this. It’s essential that you get their business address along with their mobile number and the business phone numbers of your contractor.
If the contractor only will give you their cell phone and a post office box, or they’re operating using a trailer, it’s a good idea to look someplace else. These are all signs that warn you that they may not be reachable years down the line if there’s something wrong.
Can I get an Insurance Policy Copy?
It's important to ask for their insurance policy copy. This will show they carry insurance, what kind of insurance they carry, and the amount they carry. There are many contractors with coverage but they might not have enough for covering your property.
You want to ensure that your property’s covered but that they also are carrying enough workman’s comp. if your contractor isn’t insured properly, you might be liable for injuries or accidents which happen.
What’s the Cost for the Project?
Make sure you’re getting costs upfront and in writing. Ensure your estimates are very detailed. This way, when they’re compared against one another, you know you’re comparing apples and apples.
Be careful of quotes that are very lower than others. This might not include all labor and materials. If you’re getting an estimate that’s a lot higher than others, it could mean the others are missing key barriers that are necessary for completing your project and might get back to you asking for additional money after they’ve started.
Can I Get Some References?
Any remodeling contractor should be able to provide you with at least a few good references, but the devil is in the details.
Is that it?
Not by a long shot, but these questions will help you weed out the bad apples quickly, and help you avoid contractors who just aren’t right for your needs.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
77885 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
68106 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
64570 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
44338 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
27461 Views
Latest Articles
An All-Inclusive Guide to Eco-Friendly Interior Design: 5 Ways to Do It Best
Over 100 countries have enforced policies on sustainable consumption and production according to the 2018 UN Sustainable Development Goals Report....
on May 3, 2023
Unique Ways to Clean Your Window Tracks
As we get closer to springtime you might be noticing that your windows need a good cleaning. Not only is it your windows, but it is the window...
on Apr 3, 2023
Navigating Singapore's Property Regulations: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Singapores property market has been attracting foreign investors for many years, thanks to its stable economy, strong legal system, and transparent...
on Mar 22, 2023
What Truck Size Do I Need to Move a 3-Bedroom House
Moving to a new home can be a complex and stressful process, but with the help of the right truck size, you can make it a smooth and seamless...
on Feb 13, 2023
Five Tips to Take Better Care of Your Basement Insulation
Basement waterproofing is an essential part of home maintenance, as it helps to protect the basement from moisture, flooding, and other...
on Feb 12, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 260
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 195
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Glossary of Real Estate Terms V - Z
Anyone planning to buy or sell real estate can benefit by using this free real estate glossary of common terms. While this information provided is...
5 Home Repairs that Require Immediate Attention
If you have been a homeowner for a while, you'd know that any unexpected home repair can pop up at any time. It comes with the package of owning a...
Variable Frequency Drives: to Maximize Power Savings
It has been tested by a lot of professionals in the electrical industry that pumps with variable frequency drives can reduce maintenance in the...
How to Find a Good Interior Designer
So are you waiting to get your home redecorated and refurbished? The most important thing that one needs to keep in mind is to find a good designer...
Home Staging Above and Beyond the Furnishings
Preparing your home for showings can be a big job, and it can also be a lot of fun. In todays real estate market, it is more important than ever to...