How to Hire a Contractor
prnmedia.com

"Making the right decision about a contractor can mean the difference between realizing the home of your dreams or living in a remodeling nightmare," says Michael Burchfield, a remodeling expert with Diamond Home Services, the nation's largest specialty residential contractor. "If you feel any hesitation in hiring the contractor, check his background. But, the most important thing you should do is ask a lot of questions," he adds.

A contractor's skill, experience and business practices can vary widely. So, too, can their prices, service and reputation. To avoid contractor nightmares such as workers who don't show up on time or not at all, work that's not performed to your standards, poor quality materials, or a contractor whose estimates are so low they're too good to be true, homeowners should take the time to carefully screen each contractor carefully. After all, the average remodeling job can cost thousands of hard-earned dollars.

Before you select a contractor on price alone, consider these 10 questions:

• Does the contractor have a working knowledge of the many types and ages of homes in your area?
• Does he understand what products and materials are the most appropriate for your home and budget?
• Does the contractor offer numerous options, demonstrating experience with a variety of materials, products and techniques?
• Will the contractor arrange for the building permit?
• Is the contractor offering a warranty? If so, for what and how long?
• Will he agree to start and finish the job as close as possible to your budget and timetable?
• Does the contractor maintain a permanent mailing address, phone number and pager or answering machine?
• Does he or she carry all the necessary licensing for your state and insurance that will protect you from claims arising from property or job site injury?
• What kind of reputation does the contractor have among other contractors, such as electricians and plumbers, and building materials suppliers?
• Will the contractor offer a list of references that will give you the opportunity to see the completed work?

"A good question to ask a reference is simply, 'Would you hire this contractor again?'," comments Burchfield. "Find out whether the contractor maintained a reasonably neat job site, provided regular cleaning and hauled away any trash," adds Burchfield. "Equally important is knowing whether the contractor completed the customer's job on time and within the budget."