When hiring a contractor to remodel your question, you may have several questions in your mind, and that’s great. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you like. But know which questions are crucial when comparing and vetting potential contractors. Read on to discover the top 5 questions you need to ask before handing over a deposit or signing on the dotted line.
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ASK FOR LICENSE AND INSURANCE
To know if the contractor you’re considering is properly licensed, contact your state’s consumer affairs department or local government and if there have been any recent complaints about their work. Ask for a copy of the certificate of insurance, which should list you as “additionally insured,” in case the policy expires amid the renovation.
ASK FOR A DETAILED PROPOSAL
Ensure you have a dated blueprint of your desired kitchen design drawn up by an architect for preliminary meetings. Then, get everything in writing. Also, withhold 10 percent of the contract price until final corrections occur.
ASK ABOUT THE SUBCONTRACTORS YOU WILL BE WORKING WITH
Ask for a list of everyone involved in your kitchen renovation, such as the carpenters, cabinet installers, painters, and flooring technicians. Make sure that, just like your contractor, all of them should be covered under worker’s compensation laws and disability insurance.
ASK TO INVOLVE YOUR INPUT
Ask your contractor for his opinion and avoid the ones who say nothing and are in a rush to leave. Typically, your contractor and interior designer will take shopping trips to look at stone slabs, appliances, lights, and fixtures. Request them that you would come along. Your opinion matters a lot in such cases. Some contractors might not let you get involved, and you need to keep away from those. Go for contractors who accept your involvement.
ASK IF THEY HAVE ANY SHOPPING DISCOUNT
Shopping discounts are always favorable. The good part is that most contractors and interior designers get 10 percent trade discounts on appliances. It would help if you asked them for such benefits. Good contractors will often offer you this discount as a courtesy. If you buy your kitchen devices, see if the contractor will pick them up and deliver them curbside at no extra fee. Either way, try to make use of this discount for budget benefits.
ASK HOW OFTEN YOU CAN MEET TO CHECK ON RENOVATIONS
The more you stop by your home, the better. “If the contractor sees you around often, they will likely stay on the job versus bouncing back and forth between projects. At a minimum, plan to visit once a week. Leaving it completely to the contractors will show that you are not concerned about your house.
ASK FOR THE BEST WAYS TO COMMUNICATION
Your contractor’s email or phone number is most important. If there is a project manager or office assistant, contact them and know how your contractor will document your discussions.
