Start out by getting three estimates. Make sure they are bidding on comparable items. If one of the quotes is a lot less than the other two, you should throw out that quote, they are probably not very reputable and you could end up with a large problem that could cost you severely. If they push you to sign a contract immediately or can get to your job immediately, ask your self why? If they are a quality company they should be very busy with work. Now you need to check credentials, start with the basics are they a member of the Better Business Bureau, if so have they had any complaints and what are they. Then you need to check other available sources like Angie’s list. Contractors can not put themselves on this service, only home owners and then they give them a report card with ratings from A to F.

Ask them if they use Subcontractors or do they have employees? If they use Subs how do they insure the quality of workmanship? Ask you’re self does this company present themselves as professional? Do they have items that say they will be in business for a long time, like a professional web site, more than one type of advertisement with a professional looking image, a Logo, more than one phone line and a toll free number?

O.K. now its time to get references, I do not put a lot of emphasis on references as I have never given a customer a reference that would say something bad about me, and never plan to unless I don’t want the job. What I suggest is ask the contractors if you can have an address of a current job in progress. Then visit the job site, this will tell you a lot about the way your home will be treated if this contractor does the work. So ask your self is this job progressing at a good speed, is it clean does the contractor have signs to show who is doing the work. Then drive by again after work hours to see if they clean up every night or just at the end of the job. You can tell a lot by looking at a job in progress.

If everything looks good at this point, you need to call their insurance company to see if they are insured. DO NOT SKIP THIS PART; it could cost you THOUSANDS of dollars. All companies with employees need Liability and workman comp insurance. If they use Subcontractors tell them you want to call the Subcontractors Insurance Company, as they should have the workman comp Ins. There is no wavier for workman comp Ins. for a company that has any employees. Liability is inexpensive but workman comp is very expensive make sure they have both.

Remember you are hiring a service from a contractor not just the product. So you can use the best materials on the market and still have a bad job done on your home.

CHOOSE WISELY

Thank you,
Jim Trietsch
New Image Construction