Entering a partnership with a contractor is an essential part of any home remodeling project — but how do you know whether a contractor is a good fit for the job? The best way to learn whether you should hire a contractor is by asking them questions beforehand. Not only will having a list of questions help narrow down the best contractor choice for your remodeling, but it will give you peace of mind that the process is in good hands. If you’re about to embark on a home improvement project, here are five good questions to ask a general contractor.
Insurance
One of the first questions to ask a general contractor is whether or not they are insured. Owning insurance ensures that if something were to go wrong during the project, then the contractor’s insurance company will handle it instead of you. For example, contractors should have both workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance — the former won’t make you liable if a worker is injured on your property, while the latter will cover any costs if your home is damaged by accident. In short, knowing what to ask contractors regarding insurance can save you from a lot of financial and legal headaches in the future.
License
Different locations have their own requirements on whether or not a contractor needs to have a license. Therefore, one of the questions to ask a general contractor is if they are licensed. Knowing that an individual is licensed ensures they are qualified to perform their task — which in this case, means performing contractor services. In addition, you’ll want to double-check that the license is accurate and up to date.
Experience
Even if a contractor has insurance and a license, they may not have the necessary experience to manage and perform a major remodeling project. Therefore, your questions to ask a general contractor should always include how long they’ve been in business. Knowing how many years they’ve been performing renovation projects can give you some insight into their experience — both as a contractor and as a functional business. Additionally, contractors who have been in business for several years already know where to find their resources and are familiar with their service area.
References
You should know more than what to ask contractors but also what to ask their former clients. Requesting references from a potential contractor candidate will allow you to speak with individuals who have hired them in the past. They’ll provide you with in-depth details regarding how the contractor operates — if you want a direct answer from them, ask whether they trust the contractor enough to hire them again.
Payment
Another important question to ask a general contractor is details about payment. A trustworthy contractor likely won’t ask you to pay the full price upfront, so you should be wary of anyone who does. Knowing the payment schedule, how much money is due, and when, will provide you with better insight into how their payment process works before hiring them.
Are you looking for a contractor to help with home remodeling in Bucks County, PA? Whether you need kitchen or bathroom remodeling for a Bucks County home, you can always trust Gemini Home Remodeling with the job. To learn more information about our services and to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to give Gemini Home Remodeling a call today.