Renovating your house can be a hefty and important financial investment. Therefore, knowing what to expect before your project gets started will help you prepare for it in a much better way. Hiring an experienced residential general contractor in Orem, Utah, can make the difference between your project being a success or a nightmare. However, for most homeowners, choosing the right partner for a custom home build or remodeling project is a daunting task.
Many service providers are available in the market, but not all of them are genuine and efficient. Luckily, finding the perfect contractor doesn’t have to be that difficult. If you have never hired a contractor before, then you can talk to your friends, family, or neighbors to ask for a reference. First, shortlist a few options and analyze them properly.
Here are seven questions to ask your contractor before renovating your home.
1. Are you licensed as a contractor, and do you have insurance coverage?
A contractor without a license or insurance can be a great financial risk. So, it is always safer to bet on a contractor who has a license in comparison to one who does not. Moreover, any residential contractor without insurance is a huge red flag. You will have to take responsibility for their safety by covering the expenses related to any accidents that occur at your place.
If you’re ready to start on your residential or commercial project, please fill out our New Project Form.
2. How much experience do you have as a residential general contractor?
The overall experience of a service provider will tell you if they are a good fit for your custom home build, or remodeling project or not. So, find out how long they have been in business and the number of projects they have successfully executed. It will also give you an idea if they are capable of fulfilling your specific requirements. Inexperienced contractors might not give you the result you want.
3. Can you provide a list of previous clients?
Feel free to ask for reviews, referrals, or testimonials from your residential general contractor. Any reputed contractor will be more than happy to let their projects speak for themselves, so have a word with their previous clients and listen to what they have to say. You can also do some research on review websites and social media to see what their previous customers have to say about them. If any contractor hesitates to share such information, consider it a red flag.
4. Will you handle the necessary permits for the project?
Permits are necessary for any job that changes the structure of your house. Any experienced contractor will know what permits are required and how to get them, but a great contractor will also pull them for you. There is some time and cost involved in obtaining the correct permits. Having a seasoned professional handle the procedures of getting permits and planning inspections will allow your job to run smoothly.
Also read When Should I Hire a Professional for Home Improvements in Orem, Utah
5. Are there any subcontractors involved in this project?
A large contractor generally has numerous projects going simultaneously. They pull off all this work by hiring different subcontractors from the respective fields. However, this can make it difficult for you to know which contractor is working on your job because subcontractors sometimes get changed mid-project. So, it’s best to talk to your main contractor and make sure they keep the same subcontractors throughout your project for better results and on time.
General Categories of Sub-Contractors:
- Electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC
- Carpentry
- Siding, roofing, and sheet metal
- Painting, masonry, and plastering
- Flooring and concrete
6. What are the details regarding payment arrangements?
Once you have agreed upon the project completion date and the entire procedure, ask about the payment schedule. Most residential general contractors ask for payment before starting the project, but you should negotiate and decide on a set schedule. A payment schedule will ensure your completion of the project in a hassle-free manner and also help you manage your finances in an organized manner. Generally, homeowners make the payments after each milestone is complete, with the final payment being made when the project is complete.
7. Is there a warranty provided for the services rendered and/or materials used?
It is important to ask your contractor about the warranty details on any electrical components or fixtures before their installation. The construction work is highly technical and is usually backed by a one-year warranty, which is the industry standard. It is advisable to document the warranties of the materials used as well as the services rendered and keep them carefully until they expire.
HTS Builders: Your Reliable and Experienced Residential General Contractor in Orem, Utah
Choosing a genuine and efficient residential general contractor doesn’t have to be challenging. All you need to do is do proper research on the contracts and ask each of them the aforementioned questions. The entire process can be time-consuming, so you should start it as soon as you decide to remodel the house. A reputed contractor will complete the project on time, and you will get the desired result. Contact a residential general contractor near you now!