Top 5 Questions to ask a Contractor before allowing them to work in your home!

Too many homeowners delay or avoid home improvement projects because of the horror stories they hear. You may have an idea for a home improvement project, but aren’t sure if it’s even capable of implementing. So…you start thinking you should have a contractor come take a look. After all, they are the professionals, right? There are many talented craftsmen that move into a General Contractor role and run their own businesses. Some are very capable at their craft, but struggle with the "running the business” part of the job. Make sure you ask any contractor or tradesperson these questions before hiring them to work in your home. Trust me…. it costs alot more to fix a mistake than to do it correctly the first time.

Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?

It's essential to ask the contractor if they are licensed, insured, and bonded. A licensed contractor ensures that they have the necessary qualifications and expertise to complete your project. Most states have an investment threshold allowed for unlicensed providers. In North Carolina it’s currently $30,000 and in South Carolina it’s $5,000. Make sure to check your state of residence and be wary of anyone who gives you a quote just below the threshold.

Be aware of terms like “contractor. home improvement, and general construction” as these are all creative ways to avoid saying “General Contractor” which indicates the provider has passed a licensing exam, has a certain number of years experience and knows the local building safety codes.

Insurance protects you from liability in case of accidents, and bonding provides you with financial protection if the contractor fails to complete the project. When a general contractor is bonded, it means that they have purchased a surety bond, which is essentially a type of insurance that protects the contractor's clients in the event that the contractor fails to fulfill their obligations or meet their contractual obligations.

If a client files a claim against the bonded contractor for breach of contract, the surety bond company will investigate the claim and, if the claim is valid, compensate the client for damages up to the amount of the bond. The contractor will then be responsible for reimbursing the surety bond company for the amount of the claim.

Having a bond in place provides a level of protection for the client and ensures that they will not be left with financial losses in the event of a contractor's failure to complete a project or meet their obligations. It also provides a level of assurance that the contractor is financially stable and has been vetted by the bond company.

What experience do you have in this type of project?

Ask the contractor about their experience in completing projects similar to yours. It's crucial to hire a contractor who has experience in the specific type of work you need to be done, as this ensures that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the project. Ask for references for similar projects and be sure to contact them and ask about their experience.

What is the timeline for completing the project?

I know COVID and supply chain issues have put a wrench in numerous construction and renovation projects. However, it’s still important to ask the contractor about the estimated timeline for completing your project. Not only will this will help you plan your schedule accordingly, it will reflect the level of experience and confidence your potential contractor has in your specific type of project. If you don’t get a good range or they flat out can’t answer, it’s time to find another resource.

What is the estimated project cost?

Remember, this is before you have hired someone and you may not have a solid scope of work defined. Even if you haven’t put pen to paper, an experienced contractor will be able to give you WAG (Wild Ass Guess) estimate on your investment. If you paint an entire 3,000 square foot home home, replace 10 windows and re-finish all the existing wood floors, they should be able to give you a ballpark estimate. If you have a small and more specific project, like a primary bathroom renovation, ask the contractor to provide you with a more detailed estimate of the total cost of the project. This will help you begin to evaluate and prioritize what you’d like to tackle first from your wish list. FYI… everyone is surprised at home much home renovations cost, you are not the only client with sticker shock! Secretly even designers, architects and other trade-people are shocked too! Inflation stinks.

Ask for at least 3 references of a similar size and scope project

I said this before, but it’s worth repeating. Ask the contractor to provide you with references from previous clients. This will give you an idea of the contractor's reputation and work quality, and you can reach out to the references to get a firsthand account of their experience working with the contractor. Please do not skip this step, go off google reviews or your “gut feeling” that they seem like a nice person. Most contractors are very nice, but fewer of them are organized and capable of managing your project to completion.

At Bartone Interiors, our services include Construction Administration on every renovation project. Our team can help manage a general contractor by providing a clear vision for the project, detailed plans and specifications, coordination with subcontractors, project management, and quality control. This can help ensure that the project is completed to the highest standards and that the client's vision is realized. Please schedule a Discovery Call if you are thinking about a home renovation or new construction project and we can answer any questions you have about how we can be a an effective part of your team!