For major improvements or remodeling, you’ll probably want a general contractor who is responsible for organizing and coordinating all of the trades involved in completing the work. Find a general contractor the same way you would find a repairperson, as discussed above --ideally, through personal recommendations. Call and pre-qualify several, checking to be sure that they can handle the work and your schedule. Then meet with three or four of them individually, and request the names and numbers of a few of their satisfied customers. Call those references to check whether they were happy with the contractors and note any problem areas. Be sure each candidate is licensed and insured for worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability insurance. And whenever possible, always visit past clients’ homes to see the contractor’s work first hand.
Request a formal bid from each candidate that you’re seriously considering, based on exactly the same plans or specifications. Don’t jump for the lowest bid --this may indicate inexperience or desperation on the contractor’s part.
Chemistry with your family is an important contractor qualification. Remember, they will be in your midst doing major construction, and there will be times when you may need to deal with difficult issues. Also probe their level of experience and the level of commitment to your project --ask how long they’ve been in business and whether they will have other ongoing jobs while they’re working on yours. If they have other work coinciding with yours, ask how much personal supervision will they be giving to your job.
When you’ve settled on one contractor, you can follow up by asking the name of their insurance carrier and agency and then calling to check on their coverage. Also ask to see their contractor’s license.
When the job is finished, if you feel you’ve been cheated or wronged, you may lodge a formal complaint with the contractor’s licensing board (this is one of the reasons it’s important to work with licensed professionals). Through that board, you may request arbitration or a hearing. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau or bring suit against the contractor and/or his or her company or bring the matter before small claims court.
If the contractor doesn’t pay subcontractors or materials, the people owed money may be able to place a lien against your property. You can protect yourself from this on a large project by adding a release-of-lien clause to your contract and issuing your payments to an escrow account to be held until the work is completed.
More about understanding contractors
Tips for hiring contractors
More about a good contract
