10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

If you type “renovation company near me” into Google, you’d probably find a long list of contractors. That list can seem daunting and challenging to sort through. What will help you narrow things down and find the best home improvement company? How will you know which home improvement company to choose with so many choices?

Here are 10 questions to ask before hiring a contractor to help you find the right fit for the job.

1. Do You Have Workman’s Comp Insurance?

Make sure that any contractor you hire has workman’s comp insurance. If one of the contractor’s employees injures themselves while on the job in your home, that contractor’s workman’s comp insurance will cover the medical expenses from that incident. Without workman’s comp insurance, YOU as a homeowner may be held liable.

2. How Many Years Have You Been in Business?

If a contractor has been in business for many years, it’s usually a sign that they’re doing something right. The longer they have been in business, the more experience and knowledge they will have. Ask the contractor how long they’ve been in business to determine whether or not they have enough expertise to trust them with your project.

3. Do You Do Estimates?

You should always know a project’s estimated cost before hiring a contractor. Estimates let you know if the project will fit your budget and can be an insightful way to compare contractors.

4. Do You Guarantee Your Work?

A contractor who is confident in their work should have no problem guaranteeing that work or offering some sort of warranty. With a guarantee, you can feel comfortable knowing they will stand behind their work and fix any issues, even after the initial job is complete.

5. Do you Clean Up When a Job Is Completed?

Ask the contractor whether or not they will take care of cleaning up when a job is over. There may be debris, materials, and other items left over after completion, and contractors should dispose of these things upon completion—no questions asked.

6. Do You Have Any References?

A good contractor who has been in business for many years has likely asked satisfied customers to be a positive reference for the company. Customers may agree by writing a review or adding a testimonial to a contractor’s website. If you do not see these things on their website, ask the contractor if they can put you in touch with past customers.

7. What Will Communication Be Like?

Communication is key in any relationship. An open line of communication with your contractor will ensure that you are both on the same page and know what to expect from each other.

8. Do You Have a Timeline for When the Job Will Be Completed?

Both you and the contractor should understand the timeline of your current project. This way, both parties know how long a job will take and what factors could affect that timeline.

9. Who Is Responsible for Pulling Permits?

Some home improvement projects require permits, and others do not. The contractor you hire should know whether or not the project requires a permit, how to get one, and how much that permit may cost you.

10. Can I Get That in Writing?

You should always keep documentation about the project details, including the type of job and its cost. This holds that contractor accountable for doing the job you hired them for at the agreed-upon price.

Your contractor should easily be able to answer all of these questions. Home One Home Improvement Services answers most of these questions for you! Our 5-Star Guarantee and our 15-Point Commitment will help you understand exactly the kind of company we are.

As a homeowner, you should expect more from your contractor. Hopefully when you search for “renovation company near me,” you find Home One Home Improvement Services. Call us today at 717-581-3474 to see how we can help you improve your home!