Hiring a contractor can be a stressful decision to make. From bathrooms to kitchens, you want a contractor you can trust with your remodeling jobs. The question is how do you determine that you are hiring a decent contractor?
Let’s say you’re looking for a Northern Virginia bathroom contractor and a Northern Virginia kitchen contractor to conduct some remodeling projects you’ve developed for your home.
There are some key questions you should ask your potential contractors as you make your plans to hire them. Don’t be afraid to talk to multiple contractors so that you can find the best fit and utilize a contractor that you will feel comfortable with working in your home.
5 Key Questions for Contractors
- Are you licensed? Your Northern Virginia kitchen contractor will most likely need to produce a license to complete the work. In North Carolina, any job of $30,000 requires a licensed contractor.
Your state may vary. Even if your remodel does not require a licensed contractor, it’s a good thing for them to have. This gives you a leverage of protection for your remodel and gives you an indication that they were eligible to receive a license. - What Types of Insurance Do You Carry? This may seem like a common-sense factor, but in reality, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Northern Virginia bathroom contractor and kitchen contractor should have personal liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, and property damage coverage.
Your contractor having these insurance coverage tools is a realm of protection for you in case something were to happen to an employee or the property while the contractors are at work. - Can You Provide a List of References? Past performance is something that could be essential for your decision. Asking previous clients about the work performed is essential. If the contractor is willing to give you a list of references, it shows they take pride in their work and they aren’t trying to hide previous work.
- Who Will Obtain Required Permits? As with many projects, your remodel could require various permits. You will want to check with your contractor to determine whether they will obtain the appropriate permits or you will. You definitely don’t want to be caught without a permit because you each thought the other was doing it.
- What is the Timeline for This Project? While contractors cannot always specifically provide a timeline, they should be able to give you a general estimate. This will give you a great head’s up for planning around the project and somewhat hold them accountable to the time they give you.
The key point to take away is that you should not be afraid to ask questions of your contractors. They are there to serve you and you are paying them for their efforts. Get the essential answers before hiring a specific contractor for a job.