Hiring a remodeling contractor can be a scary task if you know nothing about the contractor before calling. During the call or visit with a potential contractor, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get specific answers about the work to be done. If you don’t like the answers you receive, move onto someone new! Here are our recommendations for questions to ask when selecting someone for your home remodel.

Can you tell me more about the history of your business?

The history of a contractor can tell you a lot about the work that they will do. Request up-to-date licensing, insurance, and certification information and ask how long they have been remodeling homes. Ask for pictures of recent jobs of a similar nature, and make sure they are qualified and prepared to do the type of work that you need completed. You may even want to collect a list of references, or check review sites to make sure they have satisfied customers to back them up.

What’s the expected timeline for this job?

Make sure that you have a good idea of the amount of time the contractor will need to do the work—but know that this number could change to a certain degree. It could be that a major plumbing issue or an electrical problem delays the job, but a good technician will take this into account while giving the estimate. If the estimate seems too long—or too quick!—you may want to call around to find someone who can commit more time to your property on a day-to-day basis.

Will you put that in writing?

This may be one of the most important questions you ask your potential contractor. Get any cost estimates, start dates, upfront costs, and procedures for any potential change orders on paper. Here’s one item you may not have thought to have in writing—a broom clause that says the contractor will clean up after the job.

At Advanced Builders & Contractors, our licensed contractors are building the future through their expert remodeling and construction services in Hidden Hills, CA and the surrounding cities. Call us today!