5 Important Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Before you start your next project, here is a list of 5 important questions to ask your contractor. Note: These are not the only questions you should ask, but just 5 important ones in my opinion.
WHAT IS THE COST?
This one is probably the most obvious one, but you need to know all the costs of the project you’re about to be taking on. What happens if a problem occurs? For example, you want a wall torn down, only to find out that some of the plumbing has been run thru that wall that wasn’t previously known. Who pays for that? Generally, it’s going to be the homeowner, but make sure everyone is on the same page.
HOW LONG WILL THIS PROJECT TAKE?
In my experience, there are always certain things that take longer than expected. I try my best to tell all my clients what to expect, but many times will err on the longer side of how long it will take because no one likes to be told that it should take 7 days and it ends up taking 14 instead! Making sure you and your contractor have an open line of communication will also help the project run smoother.
DO YOU HAVE A CONTRACTING LICENSE?
Being a licensed contractor is not always a must on a project, but it is something you might want to consider. In fact, in the state of Tennessee you’re only required to be licensed if you’re doing projects in excess of $25,000. Someone who is licensed has met the industry standards set forth by that state’s governing body. Licensed contractors will typically charge more than unlicensed contractors, but this could save you big money in the future if the unlicensed person cuts corners.
CAN I SEE A COPY OF YOUR INSURANCE?
You would be surprised how many people don’t carry general liability insurance that do work on people’s homes. That’s not to say that people aren’t good just because they are uninsured, but if damage happens to your home and they can’t afford to pay for it…then you’ll be on the hook for repairing it. I believe it is always a good idea to ask for proof of their insurance along with their licensing information.
WHEN IS PAYMENT EXPECTED?
My advice is to never pay for a project in full before completion. Depending on the scope of the project and the work performed is what guides my decision on how I charge for each project. Most commonly I charge 50% upfront and 50% upon completion for a larger project such as replacing a roof or building a deck. And, for small things like changing out a light fixture or bathroom faucet, I charge when the work is completed.
Like I stated in the beginning, there are many other questions you’ll have. But, these are 5 important questions to ask your contractor to start off.
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