Contractors can help you with everything from installing a new home network, renovating the family room or building a brand new house - We think that these tips apply to anyone who is considering a hiring a contractor for building anything in your home. Some of these tips we learned the hard way and others we gathered from the web.

Be active and participate - Instead of being passive and watching from the sidelines, we found that being active during the entire process really helped our project. Of course, you do not want to get in the way of your contractor but make sure you are always asking questions, taking photographs and documenting the process. Think team member rather than manager.

Ask how long the contractor has been in business - Look for a well-established company and check it out with consumer protection officials. They can tell you if there are unresolved consumer complaints on file. One caveat: No record of complaints against a particular contractor doesn’t necessarily mean no previous consumer problems. It may be that problems exist, but have not yet been reported, or that the contractor is doing business under several different names. If you can’t find your contractor in the phone book or online, ask them why.

Check that your contractor is licensed and registered - While most provinces/states license electrical and plumbing contractors, not all require licensing or registration for contractors, remodelers, and/or specialty contractors. Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area. If your area has licensing laws, ask to see the contractor’s license. Make sure it’s current.

Find other projects like yours that have been completed recently - Ask for a list. This will help you determine how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.

Will my project require a permit? - Most areas and localities require permits for building projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project. Be suspicious if the contractor asks you to get the permit(s). It could mean that the contractor is not licensed or registered, as required by your state or locality. Not getting the proper permits in place could mean removing your new deck and starting over again!

Get a list of recent references and visit completed jobs - The contractor should be able to give you the names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three clients who have projects similar to yours. Although this step seems daunting at first, do not skip this. We didn’t spend near enough time on this stage and we got burned because of it. We found out after we started having problems that all the references experienced the same things.

Ensure you ask references these basic questions - Were you satisfied with the project? Was it completed on time? Did the contractor keep you informed about the status of the project, and any problems along the way? Were there unexpected costs? If so, what were they? Did workers show up on time? Did they clean up after finishing the job? Would you recommend the contractor? Would you use the contractor again?

Ask if your contractor will be using subcontractors on your project - If yes, ask to meet them, and make sure they have current insurance coverage and licenses, if required. Also ask them if they were paid on time by this contractor. A lien could be placed on your home if your contractor fails to pay the subcontractors and suppliers on your project. That means the subcontractors and suppliers could go to court to force you to sell your home to satisfy their unpaid bills from your project. Protect yourself by asking the contractor, and every subcontractor and supplier, for a lien release or lien waiver.

Ask to see what types of insurance your contractor carries - Contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage. Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure they’re current. Avoid doing business with contractors who don’t carry the appropriate insurance. Otherwise, you’ll be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

Source: ramsayhome.com

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