Do you dream of remodeling your home, but hiring a general contractor stands in your way? JLC Home Remodeling understands this common issue. It’s scary inviting someone into your home. You might not know what questions to ask, and most of all, you’re trusting the contractor to bring your vision to life. Don’t let hiring a contractor stand in the way of improving your home. In this article, we’ll explain methods for finding a general contractor, talk about verifying their qualifications, and we’ve compiled a list of important questions to ask a contractor before hiring them. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to pick up the phone and call a general contractor.
How to Find General Contractors
Don’t know where to start? Here are some basic ways to begin finding a general contractor.
- Ask for Referrals
One of the best ways to find a contractor is through someone you know and trust. Try to see the finished product in-person too. The benefit of this method is that your friend can give you insight into the contractor’s business practices and their craftsmanship. Although, it’s best to reach out to multiple people so you have options.
- Research Online
We can’t always trust our friends’ opinions, so it’s important to do your own research. Luckily, the internet is an amazing resource for gaining a variety of information on your potential contractor, such as licensing, insurance, or if they’ve been involved in any disputes.
- Read Reviews
Google, Yelp, Houzz, and Angie’s list allow customers to review the contractor’s work. See if the company has reviews in order to verify that others have had a positive experience. If the person you’re researching does not have an online presence, then you should probably move on.
Don't be Afraid to Shop Around for Contractors
Get at least three bids. You figure out what kind of professional qualities matter to you when you meet multiple contractors. This is also an opportunity to ask the contractor if they have references or a portfolio. In addition, if the contractor knows that you have options, they are more likely to negotiate with you and promise quality and superior oversight.
As tempting as it may be, you should be wary of anyone who says they can complete your remodel for significantly less than their competitors, because you may just find yourself sacrificing quality for price.
Verify Your Contractor's Qualifications
A good contractor ensures that they’ve protected their business, their workers, and their clients, so check if your contractor has these things.
- License
Verify that the contractor is licensed to do the work you want. Contractors should carry a copy of their license with them, so ask to see it. You can also verify their license online through your state government website. Here is the website for checking if your contractor is licensed in California, where JLC Home Remodeling is based out of.
- Insurance
In California, general liability insurance is not required, so if your contractor does not have general liability insurance, you should inquire into how potential losses or damages will be handled. However, if the contractor has employees, they are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This is extremely important because, without workers’ compensation insurance, the homeowner can be held liable if a worker injures themselves while on the job.
- Contractor License Bond
A contractor’s bond is a financial guarantee that the contractor will fulfill the terms of your agreement. Essentially, it’s a contract that protects both parties from financial loss. If the contractor doesn’t deliver on a project, you can file a claim with their surety company.
California requires contractors to maintain a $15,000 bond or verify that they have the equivalent amount with the Contractors State License board. Note: California requires contractors to purchase a bond as part of the licensing process, so if your contractor has a license, then they would have a bond.
Questions to Ask Your General Contractor
Now that you know the fundamental considerations you should make when choosing a contractor, here’s a list of questions you can ask.
How long have you been in this business
What do you specialize in?
Can I see your license and insurance?
Will you obtain permits and set up inspections?
What’s the general timeline for completing a project?
How busy are you and when can you start making progress?
What’s your payment schedule? (they shouldn’t ask you to pay the full price up-front)
What’s your working day like?
How many people work for you, and do you work with subcontractors?
Is there a screening process for subcontractors?
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You have the necessary tools to begin your journey with a general contractor, which means you’re one step closer to getting the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams. Feel free to refer back to this article when you meet with your contractor, and if you want a quote from us, JLC Home Remodeling is eager to get in touch.
