Choosing the Right Contractor
Essential Questions to Ask
Earlier this week, a friend contacted me for advice on a kitchen renovation quote she received. Even though she lives in Massachusetts outside of Almar’s territory, I reviewed the scope of work and found the price to be reasonable. I suggested she compare the quote to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report for our area and asked her to consider these questions to ask a contractor.
When renovating your home, selecting the right contractor is essential for a successful project. With so many options available, many homeowners feel overwhelmed. This blog post provides key questions to ask contractors to make an informed decision.
| Question | Importance |
| Are you licensed? | Ensures competency and adherence to regulations. |
| Do you carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance? | Protects you from potential financial losses. |
| Will you pull all required building permits? | Ensures compliance with local regulations and prevents delays. |
| Do you guarantee your work? | Provides assurance of quality and accountability. |
| Who will oversee the project? | Ensures effective management and communication. |
| Will you provide me with written references? | Allows you to assess customer satisfaction. |
| How do you handle the “dirty work”? | Helps minimize disruption to your home. |
| Are you a member of NARI or NAHB? | Indicates professionalism and adherence to industry standards. |
Licensing and Insurance
Licensing: Verify that the contractor is properly licensed in your state. This ensures they have the necessary qualifications and adhere to industry standards. In Massachusetts, all contractors are required to be licensed with the Board of Building Regulations and Standards.
You should ask for copies of current: Construction Supervisors License, and Home Improvement Contractor License
Insurance: Ask about their general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you from potential property damage or injuries that may occur during the project, and is legally required in Massachusetts.
Project Management
Permits: Ask the contractor if they’ll handle obtaining all necessary building permits. This will ensure compliance with local regulations and help avoid delays. Some contractors might ask you to get the permits yourself. A reputable contractor will pull permits for every job that requires them. If they ask you to pull the permit, that’s a red flag indicating potential issues.
Project Management: Ask who will be overseeing the project on a daily basis. A dedicated Project Manager will provide effective communication and management.
Quality and Guarantees
Workmanship: Ask the contractor about their warranty or guarantee for their work. A reputable contractor should offer a guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction .Look for a company that offers a guarantee of more than a year—that’s a good sign.
References: Request written references from previous clients to assess their experience and satisfaction with the contractor’s work.
Additional Considerations
Communication: Discuss how the contractor plans to keep you in the loop through the process. Ask about regular updates and how they’ll handle any concerns that rise.
Cleanliness: Ask about how plan to maintain a clean worksite.
Professional Affiliations: Consider contractors who are members of professional organizations like the Professional Remodeling Organization (ProNe), National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
By asking these essential questions, you can gather important information to make an informed choice when selecting a contractor for your home renovation project. Remember, a reputable contractor will be transparent and answer your questions to help you feel confident in your decision.
Because there are a lot of moving parts to renovating a home, please make sure you are working with a professional who is equipped to handle not just the onsite carpentry but also the management aspect of servicing your needs.
Have questions about a home improvement project? Contact our team or explore our articles. We’ve been helping families like yours since 1959. Our goal is to collaborate with you for the best possible experience.
