If your contractor can’t deliver ANY ONE of these items, keep searching.
Before selecting a contractor for any home project, take the time to ask these 13 important questions:
- Is the contractor properly licensed?
- Will the contractor show you proof of General Liability and Worker’s Compensation insurance?
- Does the contractor have an address? Post Office box numbers may make it harder to locate contractors should trouble arise.
- How long have they been in business? Statistics show that the majority of new contractors go out of business within three years.
- Does the Better Business Bureau have a record of complaints against them?
- Are they members of professional associations that promote education and professionalism in the industry?
- Will the contractor give you a list of references?
- Can you communicate well with the contractor, and does he listen to what you say?
- Are they familiar with local building regulations and codes, and will they obtain the necessary permits and give you copies?
- Will the contractor guarantee all materials and workmanship?
- Will the contractor request your written approval before making changes that affect your cost (for example substitutions in material and/or workmanship)?
- Will they arrange for cleanup and removal of debris from the premises, both on a daily basis and after the job is complete?
- Will the contractor provide a start and completion date?
Also, visit Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report for the New Orleans market to make sure that your plans are budget appropriate.
