Thinking of remodeling your home or building a new one? The first thing you need to do is look for a building contractor. Hiring a general contractor who can meet your demands is crucial in making your home turn out just the way you envisioned it.
Here are the top 5 questions you need to ask a contractor before you take him on board:
1. Do you have a contracting license?
Like many other industries, licensing is a vital aspect of construction. Hiring a general contractor in North Carolina requires proper licensing by law. You would want to make sure that the person you are considering for the job has the required credentials according to their area of expertise.
In a worst-case scenario, if you hire a contractor without a license who abandons your work and disappears, you are sure to be left in a serious dilemma. Instead, if you employ the services of a licensed contractor who does the same thing, you will have state support to handle this problem.
At Glasgow Design Build, we offer reliable services for home renovations in Raleigh, NC. Feel free to ask about our credentials and general liability.
2. How long have you worked in this industry?
As a homeowner, you may want to know the length of time your contractor has spent working in the industry. A longer experience would imply advanced technical expertise and better chances of being able to keep up with your demands.
It would also benefit you to ask them about the specific type of experience they have. For example, someone who has mostly worked on small-scale projects such as kitchens or bathrooms is likely to fit your requirements if you have a large-scale building project in mind.
3. Do you have a certificate of insurance?
General liability insurance offers coverage in the event of an accident. For example, if your contractor accidentally hits your water line and floods your house, this insurance plan will bear the costs.
Another type of insurance certificate that your contractor should carry is the workers’ compensation insurance. This saves you from liability if someone gets hurt during your home renovation.
4. How many building permits have you obtained in this area?
You would want to employ a contractor who has good knowledge regarding building code requirements and the permitting process in your county. Therefore, hiring a general contractor who is credible and has experience working in your area is crucial.
Make sure your contractor has worked with municipal jurisdictions in the past and knows how to pull the permits required for the job. To read some useful tips about hiring a contractor, click here.
5. Can you give me a timeline?
To execute a well-timed remodeling project, you require a contractor who can offer you a fixed start date and a completion date. These dates, along with a timetable of work and a list of materials, should be noted in a written agreement.
Another tip is to ask your contractor how they plan on keeping you updated when you visit the site to monitor progress. Make sure you stay in touch with them to communicate any questions or concerns that you may have.
Hiring a general contractor who possesses the required expertise can make your home remodeling project smooth and successful. Finally, ensure that your general contractor guarantees that they will complete their spadework and successfully obtain all approvals required.
Do you wish to hire a general contractor in Wake County, NC? Our team has completed excellent home renovations in Raleigh, NC. Click here to contacts us and explore our services.