Checklist For Finding and Hiring a Contractor
- Visit the BBB and Angie’s List websites and find contactors that specialize in what you would like to see accomplished. You can also check with friends, relatives and at your workplace for referrals.
- Select no more than 3 or 4 Contactors to Bid your work. Bringing in any more is often confusing and will only delay the process.
- Make sure the contractors you select have a permanent place of business.
- Ask for a Certificate of Insurance and check for Workers Compensation and Liability Insurance. If your contractor does not have the insurance you may be liable for any employee accidents or damage to your property or your neighbors.
- Ask how long your selected contractors have been in business.
- Get an idea from your contractor on when he would start and finish the project. If they cannot be clear with dates and times find someone who will.
- Make sure you get a detailed contract that itemizes all of the things you want installed by type, quantity, and price. The sales tax should be included and any permit that may be required.
- Be comfortable in how you communicate with your contractor. You need email addresses and cell phone numbers of your salesperson.
- If you live in a house built before 1978 the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has instituted new laws on how certain home improvements must be installed. The laws pertain to lead paint and the containment procedures a contractor must use to prevent lead dust from spreading around your home and property. Verify that your contactor is a LEAD SAFE CERTIFIED RENOVATOR.
- Lastly, remember that the lowest price bid may not be your best value. Try to compare apples to apples and if you do not have a good relationship of trust with your contactor find another one.
If you or someone you know is looking for a Checklist For Finding and Hiring a Contractor , please contact Masonry & Glass Systems in St. Louis. We specialize in replacement windows, sliding windows, casement windows, garden windows, bay windows, storm windows and historic windows. For more information, please email us at: [email protected] or call 314-535-6515