Contractors are extremely helpful professionals who can help you turn your property into the home of your dreams. And while the contractors at Homeowner Funding are among the most experienced and professional in the industry today, there are also some not-so-great contractors you should be wary of.
That’s why it’s incredibly important that you ask all of the right questions when hiring a contractor to get some work done around your home. Nailing down critical information ahead of time is the best way to move forward with any remodeling projects.
“How Long Have You Been in Business?”
Longevity is a very valuable trait to have in the world of contracting. Time in business usually equates to quality of business. Therefore, the longer a contractor operates, the more successful projects they have under their belts.
A long-standing company also shows you that they have created an efficient system that delivers high-quality work on time, on budget, and within expectations.
Keep in mind that a contractor may have recently opened their own business, but they have several years of work experience in the industry. Every business has to start somewhere, so hiring a new business is okay – just make sure the owner can back up his knowledge with a strong career history.
“What Are Your Financing Options?”
The personal financial aspect of a contracting project is of the utmost importance. There are plenty of things to consider under the general umbrella of financing, such as:
- Does your contractor require a deposit?
- Are they asking to be paid in full upfront?
- What are their payment plans like?
Some companies offer some great financing options, such as vinyl siding financing or window funding.
If a contractor doesn’t have a financing option, you can go to your bank to see if they offer home loans for repairs or improvements. You can often find deals with great interest rates to help save money.
“Is Your Company Fully Insured?”
A reputable contractor should have workers’ compensation and liability insurance to protect both you and their company. In addition, their insurance should be catered towards the type of work they’re completing.
Not only should you ask if a contracting company is insured, but it’s also a good idea to request a look at their certificates of insurance. Doing so can help eliminate any risk that you’re working with someone who isn’t operating their business lawfully.
You should only hire a contractor who has insurance and can produce proof of said insurance.
“What About Your Team?”
Every contractor has a team of employees working on each job they secure, so it’s a good idea to ask some questions about these individuals as well. These are the people who will be in your home and doing the work, so they matter significantly.
Ask whether a contractor’s teams are direct employees or subcontractors. If they’re subcontractors, are they covered under the company’s insurance? And what is the screening process like to ensure they are high-quality employees and reliable workers? Will the same team be on the same project for the duration?
You should also check in on who the project manager is and their relationship with you. Determine whether you can have direct contact with the project manager, what their job entails, and how often they will be on site.
“What Does the Timeline Look Like?”
Depending on the size of your project, you may be putting your whole life on pause for it. Therefore, it’s important for you as the homeowner to be aware of the timeline for the renovation process.
When meeting with potential contractors, try to get a clear picture of when a project will start, what the timeline will look like, and when you can expect it to be completed.
Talk about various factors that could impact the schedule along the way, such as supply shortages, weather, or other projects that the company has taken on.
This is all information that you, as a paying customer, deserve to have answers to. If a contractor can’t make you feel comfortable about your timeline, it’s a clear red flag.
A contractor should also be perfectly fine with keeping you in the loop if something changes. Make sure they intend to maintain an open line of communication throughout the project.
Get Funding For Your Home Project
Paying for an addition to an existing house can be challenging. That’s why Homeowner Funding helps you gain access to the financial assistance programs you need.. Contact us now to apply for funding and speak to one of our highly knowledgeable team members.
