In-Home Consultation - It is crucial to have your initial consultation in your home. This will be where you meet your design consultant, learn more about the company and their processes and most important discuss your vision for your project and home. Being in your home gives the consultant an opportunity to measure accurately, see the style of your home and be able to develop designs for your project accordingly. It is best for your project that all vested parties be in attendance and that you set aside a couple of hours for this first visit.
Showroom Visit - Visiting the company’s showroom affords you the chance to see various examples and options. During this visit, you will have the opportunity to explore all of your choices and together with your consultant, create the best project for your home.
Top Ten Questions To Ask
Don’t roll the dice to pick a contractor! Here are ten questions you should ask and/or know the answers to before you make your final selection. Legitimate and hard working companies will be more than glad to answer your questions!
1. How many years have you been in business? Look for a company that has been in business a good number of years with a track record.
2. Do they have their own Factory Trained Installers? Over 70% of all issues with remodeling are installation related.
3. Is the company and the installers Lead Certified? If your home was built before 1978, the EPA requires that all contractors be Lead-Safer Certified.
4. Does the company pull permits if they are required in your particular city and are they registered in each city?
5. Does the company perform background checks? Your safety is important throughout the entire project.
6. Do they offer a good written warranty? 50% of all home improvement products fail within the 1st year, over 90% fail within 5 years. A warranty is only as good as the company behind it.
7. Do they have enough up-to-date liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance to protect you in case of an accident?
8. How do you handle payments? Be leery of a contractor that asks for full payment or any more than 50% up front.
9. Are they a member of any trade associations? This shows a level of commitment to the industry and trade best practices.
10. Is this company a member of the Better Business Bureau and do they have a good rating?
Need help finding contractors? Check out "How to Find the Right Contractor for Your Home Improvement Project".
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