Questions to ask before hiring your potential contractor

You love your Atlanta home, but lately, you have been thinking it needs renovation or a few updates here and there. Or perhaps you have decided to sell your home and want to give it a substantial refresh to attract buyers. Whatever the reason might be, the thought of allowing someone to come into your space, moving things around, and creating something completely different can be alarming. This is why it is important for homeowners in Atlanta to proceed with caution before they begin with their home renovation project.

And when it comes to large-scale home renovations it is no less complicated than building a brand-new custom home from the ground up. So whether you are renovating all of your house or portion up, finding the right contractor who can be trusted and experienced about what is required and executes exactly what you have visioned with limited stress is crucial.

You will be seeing quite a lot of contractors, depending on the size of the project and the amount you want to spend, so it is important to find someone who you can get along with to get the work done. Other than evaluating the quality of supplies and work, to make a sound choice, it is equally important to carefully screen potential contractors to ensure you work with reputable professionals. Without further ado, here is a list of questions that you may ask them:

• Are you licensed?

One of the basic questions indeed. It happens often that homeowners assume that the company is covered as there is a logo and they have been referred through another company. Make sure you ask for a copy of their license as it ensures that they are qualified to perform certain types of work and gives a glimpse into their history as well. Make sure their licenses are up-to-date and they are registered with the state you are in.

• Do you have insurance?

Another basic question that you must ask. You must choose a contractor that is able to cover up the costs associated with any incidents. It will provide protection for homeowners and for the company completing the work. Keep in mind, if the potential contractor is uninsured, walk away. Also, keep in mind that licensing and insurance are renewed each year so make sure your company has updated versions.

• How long has the company been in business? And how much experience do you have in this particular work?

Every startup needs a break. But when it comes to your home, you obviously don’t want it to be a training ground for the contractors. For this purpose, it is important to identify the level of experience of the company you are going to work with. Check for the projects they have worked on since they started. Also, ask about their experience with the specific renovations you are planning for your home be it kitchen, bathroom, or room addition. To simply put, the length of time the company has been in the remodeling business will potentially give you the sense of their experience and level of professionalism that you can expect.

• Can you give a realistic timeline for the project and a written contract? 

 After all the general questions, before you move onto hiring a contractor, you should ask if he or she can provide you with a fixed start date and a completion date. Check if they are as specific as possible. These things should also be included in a formal written agreement also known as a contract, which should include the material list, payment schedules and the sequence of work that will be carried.