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Fourteen Questions to Ask a Remodeler Before You Choose
Thinking about a remodel? The company you choose for the job will have an enormous impact on the success of that job and your comfort with the experience. To increase your chances of a successful job, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recommends the following actions:
· Conduct qualifying interviews. (We recommend at least three companies.)
· Follow up on credentials and references.
· Consider all aspects of the remodeling project. In addition to
the financial and time aspects, this includes the physical work and the
emotional strain.
Further, NARI recommends that you ask your prospective remodeler these fourteen questions:
1. How long have you been in business? Ideally, you want a company with an established business history in your community.
2. Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job? Get his/her name and telephone number. Get the name and telephone number of the person to call if the supervisor is not available. Add to that a list of the names and telephone numbers of everyone who will be involved in the project.
3. What is the project time frame? What are the projected dates for starting and completing the job? Will you be contacted about delays or changes in the schedule? By whom? Also find out what time of day the work crew will normally begin and quit.
4. What is your approach to a project of this scope? One of the big indicators of this company's work ethic; how the contractor answers will give you an idea of how he/she works and what to expect during the project.
5. How do you operate? You're looking for how the firm is organized. Do they have employees or do they hire subcontractors? If them have employees, what are their job descriptions? Who do they use to oversee a project (for example, a supervisor or lead carpenter, or another position)? Find out what parts of your project will be handled by staff, and which will be contracted out.
6. Is your company a full service or specialty firm? If your project involves additions, entire rooms, and/or multiple changes, you should consult a full service or design-build firm. If it's a smaller project, such as replacing your bathroom plumbing, NARI recommends going with a specialty plumbing firm or bathroom remodeler.
7. Do you have design services available? If the project you're considering is large or involved, you will need design services. If the contractor does not have design-build capabilities, you may additionally need an architect and/or structural engineer.
8. Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance? Ask to see copies of the insurance certificates to verify coverage. Some states also require construction licensing and registration. Find out if your state does. If yes, NARI advises that you ask for your contractor's registration and license, and confirm the license number and expiration date with your local jurisdiction.
9. Are any of your company's employees certified? Trade certifications are a good indication of dedication, professionalism and knowledge of the industry. According to NARI, "remodelers are required to meet certain industry criteria to maintain their certifications." NARI offers six designations: Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS), Certified Remodeler Associate (CRA), Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR), Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC), and Certified Remodeling Carpenter (CRC).
10. May I have a list of references for projects you have completed which are similar to mine? Get a minimum of three references, with names, telephone numbers and addresses. Ask how long ago the projects were completed; try see the finished job if you can.
11. May I have a list of your suppliers? NARI also recommends that you obtain professional references from the remodeler's suppliers and/or subcontractors to verify sound business practices. These people can be sources to establish credit history for the company, a necessary step to help protect you from the possibility of mechanics liens for nonpayment by the contractor.
12. What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business? According to research conducted by NARI, "most remodeling businesses attribute over 50 percent of their annual volume to customer referrals; some even claim up to 90 percent or more of their total annual sales." The way this question is answered should give you an idea about the level of this remodeler's customer satisfaction.
13. How many projects like mine have you completed in the past twelve months? NARI suggests that this question will help you determine the contractor's familiarity with your type of project; however, some large projects may take many months to complete so you may need to increase the time frame of this question. You want to confirm that a significant number of those completed projects were similar to your proposed project.
14. Will we need a permit for this project? Most cities and towns require permits and certain inspections; failure to obtain these may be illegal. There may also be zoning laws and regulations; failure to observe these can be costly. According to NARI, "a qualified remodeling contractor will be conscious of the permit process, and ensure that all permits have been obtained before initiating any work."
With what you have at stake in your pending project, you must be able to trust and feel comfortable with the remodeler you hire. Use this list to help you answer questions that are every bit as important as whether or not the remodeler has the necessary construction skills.
More helpful information is available at http://www.nari.org
Planning a kitchen remodel? See our kitchens section!
