Building a house from scratch, opting for much-needed renovations, or adding your home extension is a much thought-after decision. You need to have a good amount in your savings account and budget.
The most important thing about renovating or remodeling your house is not the budget but hiring a team of good Home renovation contractors. If you can employ good general contractors, you might not have to worry about anything else.
You should never base your judgment on a renovation contractor’s website or based on your family and friends’ references. The references and searches might help you shortlist the desired Home renovation contractors, but you must schedule a meeting and ask away the questions before finalizing anyone.
Though you should ask all your doubts about the renovation and remodeling, there are few essential questions that you must not miss and get a clear understanding of it.
Questions you must ask before hiring a contractor.
1. How long have you been in the industry?
“How long have you been in the industry” is the first question you should ask your general contractor. The industry experience can be a good indicator of their quality skill set. The experienced contractor in the general remodeling and renovation industry has also developed the routine unique. It helps them in better communication and on-time delivery.
There is no written rule that you have to hire a contractor and his team working together for years. You can also hire independent contractors who previously worked with the general contract company. You can also test them by giving them few handyman jobs. If you are satisfied with their work, you can give them more projects.
2. Do you have a valid license?
Different states and cities have licensing requirements in the USA. You can not assume that if a contractor is licensed to work in New Jersey, he will also work in New York. There are many General contractors in Rockville Center, NY. You can reach out to get the job done. You will not want someone who is a certified plumber to work on behalf of electricians.
You should always look and verify the license documents of the contractors. Some contractors also display their licenses on their websites, but you should always cross-check the permit.
3. Are you and your team are insured?
You should never hesitate to ask about the insurance from your contractor. It is essential to know about insurance because if your contractor is not insured, you might have to bear the cost of your contractors’ workplace injuries.
Contractors should have workers’ compensation and liability insurance to cover any mishappenings on the site. You should ask the contractor to show the documents.
4. Will you partner up with subcontractors?
You should also ask your contractor if they are planning to partner up with the sub-contractors to complete your project. If it is a yes, you should ask for a one-on-one meeting with the subcontractors, get their details like name and phone number, and ask them the relevant questions.
If you are not OK with the arrangements, then be upfront and convey to your contractor that you are not satisfied with the agreement. Also, clarify the pricing procedure. You can ask your contractor to be on the site all the time while the subcontractors are working.
5. What is the timeline of the project?
When you plan on extensive renovations and remodeling, you have to move out of your house. You have to live at a motel or a hotel for a while, so you should know the time frame. You should be aware of the circumstances that might affect your project.
You should also ask the contractor if there is any other schedule that might clash with your home remodeling project. You should make sure that the contractors have no upcoming bids that might hamper your time frame.
6. What is the payment schedule?
You should ask about the payment schedule of the contractors. Many General contractors in Rockville Center, NY, have a definite timetable for their payment.
Some contractors take 50% of the cost before and then the remaining later. Others choose to take 80% of the price before the work and the remaining later.
Other than these questions, you should also ask about the warranties and the raw materials that will be needed if they will provide all the materials or not. You should also convey in what condition you need your property to be handed over to you.
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