Choosing a contractor

Selecting the right company to work on your home is a big decision. You want to be sure that the company can do the work proposed, will take care of your home in the process, and will maintain an adequate level of attention to your project. We believe that an informed consumer makes a better customer, and have created this check list to help you make the contractor decision that's right for you and your family.

General Suggestions

  • Get three estimates to ensure that you get a well rounded view of project issues and costs.
  • Make your selection based on overall value not just cost. Spending a little less to get an end product that you are not pleased with is no bargain
  • Understand going in that your building project will probably cost a little more than you initially think and that it will probably take a little longer than you think. Going in prepared will help you keep your peace of mind.
  • Ask each contractor for financing suggestions. You just might get a tip that could save you money.

Contractor Selection Checklist

Checklist Item

#1

#2

#3
The contractor is a licensed and registered contractor for your state.
Ask for the state registration number if they don't offer it.		      
The contractor has the appropriate insurance coverage to protect your interests.
For Example: Worker's Compensation, General Liability, Builder's Risk		      
Estimates and contracts that detail exactly what will be built and how much it will cost.
Fixed price estimates are the only safe bet for the consumer.		      
Make sure that each contractor is bidding on the exact same set of specifications.
If you ask for a Cadillac and one contractor prices for a Yugo, you can't compare bids fairly. It's easy to have the lowest price by lowering the specs.		      
You understand the plans and specifications the contractor gave you.
If there is something you don't understand, ask.		      
The contractor is not running too many other jobs concurrently with yours.
You want to make sure that the contractor can effectively manage whatever workload they may have undertaken.		      
The contractor will obtain any necessary building or zoning permits.
The town and state inspection systems are your protection against shoddy workmanship. You won't have much luck with insurance claims either if you don't obtain proper permits.		      
You have checked out the contractor's references.
Lots of people ask for references and then don't bother checking them. References will usually tell it to you straight.		      
See some work that the contractor has done that is similar to your project.
You don't want to be the first kitchen, second-story or bath that the contractor has ever built.		      
You and the contractor have an open channel of communications right from the start.
If communications are open and honest, most problems will be easily solved.		      
The contactor has a change management process that is logical and easy to understand.
Make sure that you know how changes will affect timing and cost.		      
The contractor has a pleasant business manner, and you can talk comfortably.
If you feel uncomfortable during the bidding process it could be a sign of friction to come.		      

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