Considerations when choosing a Contractor: Exterior projects are expensive, and most of the time permanent. For your benefit, look at more than just the price!! Here are a few important details to help ensure a good experience with your contractor.
Does the contractor you're considering carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability and $500,000 in worker's compensation insurance for your protection? Ask to have a certificate of insurance mailed or faxed to you from their insurance carrier prior to the start of any work. This is the only way to verify that the policy is in affect and has not been cancelled.
Check with the Attorney General's office and the Better Business Bureau to determine if the company has had any name changes with the same owner. Or if there has been an excessive number of complaints against them.
Is the contractor a legitimate company and in good standing with the state of Missouri? Does the contractor have an established office you can visit? This can help determine that they are committed to servicing you for the long haul.
Insist that a material lien waiver be provided upon completion of the project, to protect you from a lien on your home for your contractor's failure to pay his suppliers
Ask about service after the installation; request a list of references and check with them on issues related to service and response time
Request copies of all manufacturer's warranties and contractor's warranties be in writing
Request a written detailed contract listing the scope of all work to be performed; accept no verbal agreements
Request a list, which includes the address and phone number of completed projects in your area; call and view these homes, ask the homeowner's about the quality of workmanship and professionalism of the crews.
Try and determine how much turn over the contractor has with his crews. Many contractors hire as needed, and lay off when work slows. this can show itself with inconsistent quality of workmanship from one job to the next. You do not want to hope you are getting a "good crew"
Considerations when choosing a Contractor: Exterior projects are expensive, and most of the time permanent. For your benefit, look at more than just the price!! Here are a few important details to help ensure a good experience with your contractor.