Remodeling Survival Skills: How to Vet a Contractor

Before hiring a General Contractor for your remodeling project, it’s wise to gather the following information about them.

1) Ask for proof of general liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage insurance, as well as the limit amounts of their policies. Request a COI (Certificate of Insurance) on each policy for your project file.
​

2) Ask for a copy of their current GC’s license. Your local building department will give you the licensing requirements for your specific area.

3) Ask for three or more references. Call the three most recent clients. Ask these clients questions, such as:
a. How clean did the project crew keep the worksite?
b. How did the crew protect the rest of the house from construction dust?
c. Did you receive at least weekly project status updates?
d. Was the contractor available for questions via phone call and email during your project?
e. Were there any snags in the process and how did the GC resolve them?
f. Was the GC’s written estimate adhered to or exceeded?
g. Was the project completed in a timely manner? If not, what caused the delay and how did the GC resolve it?

4) Request a detailed, written, estimate. Review it carefully to ensure the entirety of your project’s scope is included in this estimate/proposal.

Newly Designed Kitchen Vignette by Amish Touch Custom Cabinetry