8 Tips For Choosing A Reputable Contractor
When looking to hire a reputable contractor for your home improvement job, there are many factors to consider in choosing the right one for your needs. Luckily, Valley Home Builders Association (VHBA) has put together a list of questions you can ask any potential contractor who gives you an estimate for your home improvement project.
Like ARC, VHBA understands that your home is the biggest investment you’ll ever make. A home is a place where people need to feel comfortable and safe. For these and other reasons, VHBA urges you all homeowners to gather as much information as possible about a contractor before signing a contract or allowing any work to begin on a new home or remodeling project:
Important questions to ask include:
How long has the contractor been in business?
How much experience does the contractor have with jobs similar to yours?
Will the contractor provide names, addresses and phone numbers of past customers?
Call these for references. Ask the references about the contractor’s timeliness in completing the work, the quality of work, response time when follow-up calls are needed, and the contractor’s manner in dealing with customers. Ask if they would hire the same contractor again. Also, be wary of a contractor that offers only out of town references.
Is the company sufficiently insured and/or certified?
Check the contractor’s name with the State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Division of Safety and Buildings, 608-266-3151 (or search via the web; there’s a link on vhba.com), to see if the appropriate Dwelling Contractor and Dwelling Contractor Qualifier certifications are on file.
Is the contractor submitting an unusually low-priced bid compared to others you’ve received?
Be cautious! It’s a dangerous situation if the contractor collects from you but cannot pay the suppliers from whom materials are purchased.
Does the contractor offer a warranty?
Do you feel the contractor is listening to and understanding your needs and wants?
Are you comfortable communicating and working closely with the contractor?
Remember, for long-term projects, you will be in close contact with the contractor during the entire construction or remodeling project.
The best way to find the right contractor is to do your homework. It’s well worth the effort.
If you enjoyed this resource, visit the VHBA resources page for more.
ARC Contracting services these major cities and their surrounding areas: Madison, Brookfield, Neenah, Appleton, and Green Bay.
