Are you planning to general contractor your house? Here are some top questions you need to ask when you want to renovate your house. Often people are surrounded by a myriad of questions when it comes to remodeling their homes. Here are some handy tips that you need to remember.
• Go for licensed contractor: Most of the states require a general contractor with valid license. So make sure your contractor is licensed before executing any remodeling work. He can merely fake that he is licensed so make sure you check his license which should be up to date. It is under law to get licensed. If your contractor fails to produce a valid license avoid hiring him. You can even check your contractor’s license from the office of the Secretary of State or verify through remodeling companies.
• Check general liability insurance: Your general contractor should possess general liability insurance. This type of insurance gives you protection against house or property damage caused by contractors or his employees. If you go for general liability insurance then you can save the cost of repairing or replacing the damage. Make sure that the contractor you hire has a certificate of insurance.
• Beware of hiring any contractor, who does not carry a valid coverage, you might be liable to pay for the injuries endured by the contractor or for his employee and property. If the contractor does not have employee under him then he might be exempted from carrying workers compensation insurance. He can even provide you a Construction Industry Certificate of Exemption from Workers Compensation. Though this can be risky! For instance if he has a helper and somehow gets hurt then you might have to pay for his medical bills and insurance. Again if the contractor shows no interest in verifying the details of his employee then you might have to pay for the compensation.
• Lender approved contractors: Many general contractors are approved-lender contractors. They are required to be approved and investigated by lenders for being financially sound and maintaining a satisfying relationship with suppliers with clear outstanding complaints against them at Better Business Bureau.
• NARI & NAHB member: NARI is the abbreviated form of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry while NAHB stands for the National Association of Home Builders. It is always a good decision to hire contractors who have been approved by these bodies. Both these institutes attract contractors that are interested in making your work easier and removing unprofessional contractors. In order to become its member the background of the contractor is checked thoroughly.
• Guaranteed work: Your contractor should in a position to guarantee work for at least a year from the date of completion. This should also include material used and warranties if applicable.
• Supervision is important: Ensure the contractor is there to supervise the work. The party responsible should be familiar with the type of work done. You cannot be worried about what is being done in your absence.
• References: Written references are important. A reputed contractor will be happy to assist you with references that you might require in the future. You should look for well established ones.
It is important to ask some specific questions to general contractors. Make a wise decision and follow some rules before you hire remodeling companies to renovate your house.
