With the arrival of warmer temperatures, spring is often the time when homeowners and business owners are considering a remodel, renovation, addition, or equipment upgrades to their buildings. Choosing a qualified contractor for your specific project will help control costs, mitigate risk, and avoid future complications. Here are a few tips for choosing the best qualified contractor for your project. 
- Use local contractors if possible and ask your local sales
vendors if they’d refer the contractor you are considering. - Seek more than one estimate for large projects.
- Ask for a written certificate of insurance from the contractor.
- Identify if there have been any liability claims or mechanic liens filed against the vendor for work product, injuries, or past bills that have gone unpaid.
- Ask for references you can contact directly and seek out photos of previously completed projects. You can also research vendors through the Better Business Bureau and the National Home Building Association.
- Choose a contractor that specializes in the type of project you need completed.
- Do your homework and thoroughly explain with pictures and a clear explanation of what you expect upon project completion.
- Ask if the contractor uses sub-contractors, and if so, identify who they use and request certificates of insurance from each sub-contractor.
- Provide guidelines to the contractor while working in or around your home such as project start date, daily work hours, use of your facilities, and a date of completion.
- Confirm the contract is detailed and explains the full scope of work to be performed, materials needed, and be sure it outlines an agreed upon payment schedule.
- Never pay the contractor in full until the work is completed and approved.
- Any changes in the work product should be documented in a written change order including any increased costs. The change order should be signed by both parties.
- Remember, the least expensive contractor is not always the best.
Find a Preferred Contractor in your area:
Our Preferred Contractor Program connects you with the best in the business. Each contractor has undergone a lengthy review process and is closely monitored to ensure a high standard of quality is maintained.