SELECTING A RELIABLE CONTRACTOR

As many of you know I was a designer and Licensed General Contractor in the Charlotte area for much of the 90's.  I've planned, designed and built in some of Charlotte's finest neighborhoods.  I've partnered with an elite Charlotte home builder on very large additions.  I've been a part of more than 500 contracts and have noticed the wide variation of buying habits. I've also been called in as the fireman on several occasions-- after the homeowner had made a poor contractor decision.  Often the homeowner thought they were getting a "great deal." Typically thinking they are getting something for nothing when in fact they get nothing for something.  Through it all I've learned the good and the bad and have seen each in contracting.  In the paragraph below, I'll try and highlight the most important.

So we'll start with Terry's Tips of finding a contractor and then I brought in some good information (below) from the National Association of Remodeling Contractors.

TERRY'S TIP, TT: Before selecting the contractor, you need to pre-select 4-5 firms that you have a general interest in and come referred in one manner or another.  Neighbors and co-workers are a good start, organizations like NARI are another.  You are looking for several things: does the business show signs that it is well run, from the first call through the first interview.  Did they send a designer,  a salesperson, someone simply looking to close the deal and get you started tonight, or did the owner come out to see what you had in mind?  If they needed to follow up, did they? Request recent references first.  If you have to know how their 5 year old project held up, that's fine, but what you really want to know is what have they been doing lately i.e. the last three jobs. This is much more indicative of how they'll be at your home.  Another important feature is, does the size and capabilities of the company fit your project?  You wouldn't want a company whose average project was $100,000 doing your $10,000 deck or $15,000 porch. And probably not vice versa either.

You are ready for the final interviews after you've narrowed it down to 3 good choices of companies you can work with, that show an interest in your project, are the right size company (not too big, but large enough to handle your needs) and show signs they are organized and know how to run a business. I can not over emphasize this aspect enough.  This industry is full of well meaning tradesman who ware not businessmen-- they cause an awful high percentage of the problems, precisely because they are so well meaning.  

Finding a qualified professional remodeling contractor doesn't have to be a difficult task. By following these guidelines you will make the selection process easier and be better prepared to make an informed decision that best suites your needs.

Employ a contractor with an established business in your area. Local firms can be checked through references from past customers in your community. Local remodelers are compelled to perform satisfactory work for their business to survive.

Many states, but not all, require contractors to be licensed and or bonded. Contact your state or local licensing agencies to ensure the contractor meets all requirements.

Check with the government Consumer Affair Office and the Better Business Bureau to ensure there is no adverse file on record for the contractor. TT Do on the 3 pre-selected and note it is "Unsatisfied" complaints that count the most... one or two satisfied complaints would not bother me nearly as much as 1 unsatisfied complaint.  Of course no complaint is best, but not always possible in our world today.

Ask for a certification of insurance from his insurance company, to verify coverage for Workmen's Compensation and General Liabilty. Most states require a contractor to carry worker's compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance. TT In most states, if they don't have adequate w/c coverage, did you know the property owner (YOU) is liable for injuries "on the job?"

Make sure the contractor's insurance coverage meets all the minimum requirements. If you solicit bids from several different contractors, be sure they are bidding on the same scope and quality of work. Discuss variations in bids and beware of any bid that is substantially lower than the others.