Know Your Contractor’s Credentials

Posted by admin

October 8, 2008

If you plan on having a contractor remodel your kitchen, you may want to check the contractor’s credentials. You’re making an investment in your home, and you want to know who is doing the work. Spending a bit of time checking the contractor’s credentials can give you confidence in the contractor, and peace of mind. These steps can help you get started, and give you confidence in your choice of contractor.

First off, ask the contractor for referrals. Ask people who have used the contractor before, on their projects. They can tell you how the contractor will communicate with you, and how the contractor will handle any problems that arise. If you know the person who has worked with the contractor, see if they will be willing to show you the contractor’s work. You will also want to ask, if they would use that particular contractor again.

Do some research to find recommended contractors. You’ll want to find a contractor who is licensed in your area. Check around, and see what courses and tests that the contractor will have had to pass to earn his/her certification.

Set up some appointments with the contractor to go over your plans, and make sure that you are both on the same page. A good contractor will not only be willing to work with your ideas, but will also offfer some helpful ideas of his own. Write down any questions you have for the contractor, so you won’t forget what to ask. The contractor should be willing to listen to you, and to tell you up front what the pros and the cons of your design are. Good communication will help to eliminate any friction between you and the contractor, and help the project to go smoothly.

You will be working with the contractor for quite some time, so you will need to be able to get along with him, and trust him. Before the project gets started, be sure that you and the contractor agree on the bid price, the scope of the work, payment schedule, and a schedule of the primary construction. Other clauses you should have in the contract are dispute resolution, and waiver of lien. Once you know and trust the contractor, and you have everything planned out, you’re ready to have him get started on your kitchen remodeling.

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