guidelines

guidelines

Choosing a qualified contractor

Given the current economic climate, more homeowners are staying put these days and opting to make improvements on their houses rather than move. If you’ve decided to make changes to your home, one of the most important decisions in the improvement process will be choosing a contractor. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind while you conduct your search:

Make sure whomever you choose is properly licensed and insured. Ask for specifics about what types of insurance they carry and ask for copies of insurance certificates.

Inquire about credentials and check references. When contacting previous clients, ask detailed questions about the quality of work, how well they stayed on time and budget and if they were good about cleaning up after themselves.

Ask about certifications or memberships to trade associations. Consider contacting the Insulation Contractors Association of American (ICAA) at www.insulate.org to find a certified contractor near you.

Be sure that you like your contractor. If you don’t feel comfortable communicating with that person, you’ll have a hard time properly conveying your ideas, any concerns or problems that may arise.

Get several estimates from different contractors. Write down exactly what you want to accomplish on paper, so you provide the same information to every contractor. It will be easier to compare prices that way.

Source: Washington Post