Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
Hiring a Contractor
You can find a professional remodeler in several ways, but we think hiring a contractor who's been recommended by someone you know is the best choice. Word of mouth from a happy customer is the best source we've found.

To check out a contractor here's more advice from the Remodelor's Council, a part of the National Assn. of Home Builders.

1. Call your local Better Business Bureau and your local government's consumer affairs office to see if they have information about any remodeler you're considering.

2. Ask the remodeler for local references and call them to see if they were satisfied with the remodeler's work.

3. Ask the remodeler if the company is insured against claims covering workers' compensation, property damage, and personal liability, in case of accidents. Ask to see a copy of the certificate of insurance or ask for the name of their insurance carrier to verify that the remodeler has this insurance.

4. If licensing and/or bonding is required in your area, ask to see a copy of the document to ensure that the remodeler is properly licensed/or bonded. Bonding requirements vary greatly from state to state; you should find out what your state requires. Some bonds are designed to protect you against substandard work that does not comply with local building codes. However, most bonds do not assure the financial and professional integrity nor the competency of a remodeler. For example, they don't cover situations such as a contractor who leaves town after doing only half the job.

5. Ask the remodeler for examples of how he or she solved problems for other customers.

6. Does he or she really listen to your ideas, suggest ways to make them work, and indicate enthusiasm for your proposed job?

7. Do you feel comfortable dealing with the contractor for the duration of the job?

Don't expect to find a contractor quickly. It takes weeks, sometimes months, to line up contractors to interview and go over the project.

Written by the editors of HouseNet
Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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