Here is an Authoritative List:
Determine that the contractor you select is licensed, insured and bonded.
Determine that you are being charged a FAIR price, not a low/cheap price.
Follow your gut. If the contractor you select doesn’t make you feel confident about the project you’re undertaking then find someone who does.
Following this list will ensure your project is successful.
Best,
FLEF Construction
Don’t be afraid to ask questions every step of the way. Try to verbalize or draw your ideas out on paper to the contractor so he or she knows what exactly you want. Get your wife or husband involved to have that needed second opinion. It is your money, so make sure every dollar is spent the way you want. Get every change in writing with full explanations so there are no misunderstandings.
Making sure your house is up to code… for example, all past renovations or altering of anything substantial that requires a permit must be filed with the county. If you try to pull a permit and there has been undocumented work done to your project, the permit process will be delayed and you will have to proceed with getting the permit for the past work and pay the fees.
Check with your local Better Business Bureau for starters. Make sure you’re dealing with the company that is doing the job - many today will sub out to another company at a way lower price and make money off the job at your expense. They have to tell you they are subbing but most won’t, knowing you won’t deal with them. If your project is a insurance claim DO NOT LET THEM SEE YOUR INSURANCE PAPERS UNTIL THEY GIVE YOU A WRITTEN BID!!! What they want is to see what insurance is paying and bypass you and do it for the insurance money. This is between you and your insurance company, a professional contractor will give you a written bid first. Sometimes the contractor needs to see insurance papers because other work has to be done that wasn’t mentioned. Don’t let him change his price after seeing what the insurance company is paying. He can bid other things separately. Roofers have to be licensed in the State Of Illinois.
Try to stick to the plan and make the least amount of changes.
Request a few quotes to price match. Check references of the professional you hire. Be sure the contract in place list all details, phases and payment scheduling in detail. Hold your hired pro to high set of standards as well as craftsmanship.
Our estimate and design process will help you through the entire project step by step. Planning and material selection are crucial to a successful project. We like to have everything ordered and on site before we begin a project to avoid unnecessary delays. I’ve outlined more on our website: https://mcmanuskitchenandbath.com/remodeling-101-no-cost-ways-better-prepare-remodel/
Communicate any and all ideas and concerns, make sure you have all labor, materials, timeline and special requests included in your contract. Have a main and back up person of contact that can answer any questions that may arise. There are a lot of working parts to every project, if everyone keeps an open line of communication it helps to insure a successful project.
Ask questions if you are unsure of anything prior to starting and also during if you want to know something. Don’t not ask - that’s why we are here is to answer your questions and make sure that you are getting the work completed to your specifications not to ours.
Speak to more than 1 contractor prior to deciding on one. It is always a good idea to get a few different perspectives on ways to do the work and possible end results and different contractors most of the time will all have something different to offer to you. It’s always good to get different ideas and then choose one that knows what he is doing, that you can communicate with, don’t just go with the one that is selling you the most expensive everything cause he says you need to get that or have to have it.
Do a little research on the job you are wanting to have completed. Look up some information on the type of project it is to see if the information you get from contractors is on point with the information you looked up as well.
Don’t be a non-informed customer; instead empower yourself to be a knowledgeable one. It will make the end result of the project as well as everything else relating to it easier across the board.
I honestly can’t stress this enough: once you do decide on a contractor, you have to step aside and let them do the work you hired them to do. We as contractors know what we are doing or we wouldn’t be in business still, so trust that we are going to do as such and let us do our jobs once we are hired to do the job.
As a homeowner you should always have the specifics laid out. Materials used, layout of project, and colors are always something to have picked out before the job begins.
Respond to requests for preference choices such as cabinetry, colors, styles, etc. promptly, so as not to slow down the progress of the job.
We believe that it is imperative for all clients who are considering doing any kind of construction work to their home or business do an appropriate amount of due diligence as to whom they’re accepting bids from, their backgrounds, and their experience. The subtle, oft-overlooked, communication preferences or respect of time speak volumes to a contractor’s professionalism and commitment to your project. Did they show up on time to the first meeting, or call ahead to let you know they’d be running late? Are they responsive to your e-mails, texts, calls, or whatever method of communication you seek? Our project managers answer calls and e-mails nights, days, and weekends - not because of policy (we’ve never told them to do so), but because of their commitment to their work.
The customer always is welcome to be inspecting while the job is progress. Once it is completed, the customer can review the original contract to make sure all is done as agreed.
Hire experienced remodelers with more than 3 years in business, a good record and customer references. Also, chose a contractor you can trust.
Remove all loose items from walls and shelves. The constant hammering may cause enough vibration to shake these items down. Make sure to clear your driveway and items directly surrounding your home. Also, please see that electrical power is provided to the outside of your home. If exterior plugs are not available, please run an extension cord through a window or door.
Thoroughly check out your potential contactors. Ask questions. Remember the only stupid question is the one that was never asked.
Construction takes time. Ask the contractor for a schedule or timeline so you know what to expect.
When working with a construction company, it is important to be clear on the vision that you have. Do your research on the company that you are going to work with; check their referrals, look at samples of their previous work, and make sure you are able to clearly communicate with each other.
Hire a licensed contractor
Have your budget established ahead of time and share it with your contractors. This way we don’t try to design or suggest ideas that don’t match. Also, discuss the entire project with your contractor so you understand the entire scope. This will help you know what items are your responsibility and which are mine.
