What 5 Questions Should I Ask A Contractor?
We talk to a lot of homeowners who tell us “I wish I’d known what to ask”. So as we start of the new year, and people are thinking about what projects to tackle at home I thought now was a great time to revisit some important initial questions to ask before you consider doing business with them. Here they are:
1. Are you licensed? How many other people on your team are licensed?
Make sure your contractor is properly licensed. In the state of Massachusetts, all
contractors are required to be licensed with the Board of Building Regulations
and Standards. To qualify for a license you must pass a written aptitude exam
that ensures you understand the fundamentals of construction. If the contractor
is not licensed it’s best to take a pass right now. If he/she is licensed, ask
them to provide you with a copy of their license to ensure it’s up to
date.
You should ask for copies of current: Construction Supervisors License, and Home Improvement Contractor License.
2. Do you carry general liability insurance?
Make sure your contractor carries general liability insurance. This type of
insurance protects your property in case of damage caused by the contractor
and/or their employees. The insurance company will pay for the cost of
replacing and/or repairing any damage that might occur.
Make sure you have their Insurance Agent mail or fax to you a copy of their General Liability Insurance Certificate with you named as the “Certificate Holder”.
3. Do you carry worker’s compensation insurance?
Make sure your contractor carries worker’s compensation. Worker’s
Compensation is a State Requirement for Legally operating companies.
Worker’s compensation insurance protects you from liability if a worker is
injured while on your property. Be aware that if the contractor doesn’t carry
worker’s compensation coverage, you may be liable for any injuries
suffered by any of the contractor’s employees on your property.
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4. Will you pull all the required building permits?
Make sure your contractor pulls all required permits. This is very
important. When a contractor pulls the required building permits, you know
things will be done properly and “to code”. Also, many homeowner’s
insurance policies require that permits on any major remodeling be pulled in
order to keep your home properly covered. Not all contractors are willing to
pull the permit. Many prefer not to pull permits because of the time involved
and the “hassle” with the inspectors.
Some contractors may ask you to get the permits. A reputable contractor will permit every job where a permit is required. If they ask you to pull the permit, that’s a big red flag that something is wrong.
5. Do you have a warranty your work?
Your contractor should warranty
their work. Every job should be backed with a workmanship warranty. Many
contractors will not guarantee their work. Almar carries a standard 3-year warranty.
If you have questions Home Improvement project, please let my team know. Our team has been working with families like yours for over 60 years. And it is important to us that everyone works together to create the best possible experience. If you have questions about your home improvement project, please let us know. https://www.almarbuilding.com (781-826-2577) and watch our videos at http://www.youtube.com/almarbuilding.com
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Almar Building & Remodeling Co (Hanover Ma). As a third-generation family owned and operated company for over 60 years Almar Building has all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company. From Additions, Kitchens, Bathroom, Basement Renovations, Siding, Windows, to Doors Almar services the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, Westwood, and many more towns. 5 Questions To Ask A Contractor, What 5 Questions Should I Ask A Contractor?
