subject: Tips For Hiring A Home Improvement Company In Tempe [print this page] Are you thinking about hiring a home improvement company in Tempe? This guide is designed to provide you with tips for hiring a home improvement company, making your project go smoothly. Specific requirements may vary from household to household; however, the following information includes helpful and important guidelines from which everyone can benefit.
A home improvement project can be very stressful, but you can make it less stressful by choosing your contractor carefully. The key to success is to check out everything before you part with your money.
Before You Set the Appointment
Before you invite someone to come into your home, ask the questions that will help you select the contractors to interview face-to-face.
1. Are you bonded, licensed and insured?
Usually bonding and insurance companies require contractors to have licenses, which serves to provide the homeowner with peace of mind. In the event that you suffer some kind of loss due to the contractor's performance (or non-performance), you will not have the same recourse with an unlicensed contractor.
2. Are you a remodeling specialist?
Anyone who watches "This Old House" knows that unforeseen situations arise, and a remodeling specialist is accustomed to dealing with those circumstances.
3. Do you have experience with_________? How many years?
Make certain they have relevant experience to the project you are considering.
4. Where is your office and/or showroom?
It's important that the contractor has the stability of a place of business. It's also important if you need to track them down.
Before You Meet, Do Further Investigation
In Tempe, you can check online at the Registrar of Contractors' website to see if the firm is licensed and whether there is a number of the organization. Also, call the Better Business Bureau and check the contractor's track record with them.
Be aware that a new contractor or one that changed its legal name to dodge complaints may not have any record of complaints with the BBB or Registrar of Contractors.
Questions to Ask at the Appointment
Be certain that you give the job details the same way with each company so that you won't be comparing "apples to oranges." Ask questions about anything that you don't understand.
1. How are you organized and who is going to do the work?
It is very important to understand the company's staff structure and process. Does the company assign project manager, supervisor and customer service responsibilities? Make certain they furnish you with names and responsibilities so that you know who to call before, during and after the project is completed. Beware of the company if numerous responsibilities lie with one individual.
2. What is the anticipated timeline of events to complete my project?
A reputable contractor will provide you with a comprehensive timeline. When there isn't enough emphasis on operations and project management, or the contractor is dependent on subcontractors, often the effect is delays and more delays. Demand a timeline-even if changes happen, you will have a benchmark for the process and progress. If subcontractors are used, find out who handles service calls if something isn't done on time or correctly.
3. Are all of your installation crew covered by Workman's Compensation and liability insurance and, if so, will you provide me evidence of this?
Make certain that there is insurance coverage in the event that there are any injuries that occur during the work in your home. Were you aware that if the contractor does not have workman's compensation insurance and a worker gets hurt on your job, you could be held responsible!
4. Will you provide me with previous customer references for similar jobs and also supplier references?
Ask the previous customers questions such as "would you hire this company again." Check with the suppliers for indications that they are being paid on time. If a company is on C.O.D., it may be an indication that they have not established credit, or worse, they are struggling financially.
5. Do you have a copy of your warranty and what does it cover?
Find out whether the warranty covers parts, product and labor and for how long. Keep in mind that the warranty is only as good as the company who is issuing it.
6. What is your policy for clean-up on the job sites?
Get a feel for how the company will respect your home, how they handle any demolition debris, and other items that require disposal. Your home should be clear of debris and safety hazards each evening. Make certain that you don't have issues that will involve neighbors or your homeowners association.
Remember that the best bid is not always the lowest, as quality of materials and workmanship as well as overall experience will differ. Do not rely on verbal promises.
Always do business with all of the elements of the project detailed in writing. That way, there should be no misunderstanding and your position will be much stronger should you have to seek legal means to resolve a problem. Don't sign a contract that does not have all of the blank spaces filled in.
Make certain everything is covered from demolition and removal of existing materials and new material and labor specifications. A reputable company does not write estimates on the back of a business card. Understand how they are using terms like "bid," "estimate," and "proposal." Realize that until all of the details are determined, a contract should not be finalized.
