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The Most Important Questions
to ask when hiring an honest contractor
1. Are you a NARI or NAHB contractor?
In most cases, both organizations only attract conscientious contractors interested in bettering the industry, and help weed out the unprofessional contractors. In order to become a member, their background and references are thoroughly investigated.
2. Do you have a contractor’s license?
Make sure you ask to see their license and check the expiration date. If they cannot produce a valid license, DON’T HIRE THEM! You should also check the Better Business Bureau’s website, http://welcome.bbb.org and your local Chamber of Commerce to see if any complaints have been filed against them.
3. Do you have an insurance certificate?
Make sure the contractor is fully insured with General Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation Insurance. These types of insurance policies protect you in case the contractor and/or his employees are injured on the job, or if your property is damaged during construction. Ask for the name and number of the insurance provider and call them to make sure the insurance policies are current.
4. Do you have a list of references?
Quality contractors will supply recent references upon request. Once you receive the references, call them. You will want to discuss: the contractor's job performance, if they stayed on budget, and if they returned calls promptly. Ask the references about their level of satisfaction. If possible, ask to see the contractor's workmanship.
5. Do you guarantee your work?
Your contractor should guarantee their work for at least one year from the date of completion. Some even guarantee their work for two or three years. Make sure that the contractor also guarantees (in writing) that the materials used meet your specification.
6. Will you supply me with a written bid?
Obtain at least three written bids for a particular project. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done, how change orders will be handled, when the work will be completed, and what recourse you have if it isn't done right or on time. Also make sure the contract specifies that the contractor is responsible for clean up and any damages. If a contractor will not supply you with a written bid, move onto the next one.
It is human nature to automatically “trust” those with more knowledge on a particular subject. Make sure they have verifiable data to support their statements. If they question your choices, think twice before signing their bid. Are they offering professional advice, or do they just want to perform a quick, easy job that yields the most profit?
7. What do you charge for a deposit?
Contractor bids may request an up front deposit. The deposit should be less than 15% of the total bid, as an industry standard. Deposits larger than this amount should throw up a red flag. Successful contractors have credit established (with suppliers) and can "float" purchases until you pay your bill. If they request more and claim it is for "securing materials," be wary.
8. Will you pull all the required building permits?
When a contractor pulls the permits, you know things will be done to "code". Also, many homeowners insurance policies require pulling a permit on any major remodeling to keep your home properly covered. Make sure the contractor will indemnify you (in writing) if the work does not meet local building codes or regulations.
9. Who will be in charge of the job?
Make sure the contractor or his foreman are on the job whenever work is being performed - especially if sub-contractors will be used. The responsible party must be familiar with every aspect of your project.
10. How will the cleanup be handled?
Construction is dusty and dirty! It gets everywhere, especially if any sanding is being done. Ask them to make an honest effort to keep the dust contained or notify you when heavy dust-generating operations will take place, so you can place sheets over furniture or move sensitive belongings. Make sure the contractor and his employees agree to sweep up and place all construction debris in their refuse container at the end of every day.
11. Will you supply written lien waiver(s)?
Your contractor should provide you with a written lien waiver at the end of the job. This is a legal document which says you have paid them in full for the services rendered and they waive their right to place a lien against your property. If you receive any lien notices during construction from material suppliers and/or sub-contractors, you should ask the contractor for a Release of Liens (from each supplier/sub-contractor) prior to paying the final draw. Don't make the final payment to your contractor until you are satisfied with the work.
ADDITIONAL TIPS…
Don’t automatically pick the low lowest bid.
It is common for homeowners to select the lowest bid, only to find out the contractor could not perform as expected. Quality work can command a higher price. The cheapest bid (gone wrong) can end up costing more in the long run. It could take thousands of dollars and months to remedy. When obtaining the three bids, you will likely receive three different prices, often with great variances. Compare the quality of work from one contractor to another. If one is 15% higher than the others, ask them why. They may have included more in their bid than the others. If one is 15% below the others, they may have forgotten to bid a key part of the job. Remember, you have a right to ask questions and they should be able to explain their bid.
Above all, trust your instincts.
Make sure you are comfortable with the contractor and with their style of communication. Communication is the key to solving problems that could arise during the project. If your intuition is telling you that something is not right, it is best to use a different contractor.
Below is a list of the Service Providers I recommend to my past clients, family and friends.
I have worked with them personally, or they have been highly recommended by my other service providers.
They are being provided on an informational basis only and are offered as a convenience to you.
Dennis the Janitor
Contact: Mike Nemmers
651-639-0016
651-295-6332
Contact: Cheryl Knowlton
651-434-1628
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
LEASING:
St. Croix Real Estate
Contact: Mary McNellis
651-426-5560
SALES:
Cox Contracting and Real Estate
Contact: Emily Cox
651-755-5789
Marshall Electric
Locally Owned and Operated Since 1961
Contact: Grant Marshall
Dean Marshall
TB Carpet & Floor Covering
Contact: Tom Becker
612-889-6750
GLASS REPAIR
White Bear Glass
Contact: Jeff Meyer
651-426-3289
Great Woods Hardwood Flooring Inc.
Contact: Stephen Blackwood
651-429-9088
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
888-531-2722
American Family Insurance
Life, Health, Auto, Home & Business
Contact: Ron Johnson
651-738-7909
RJOHNSO7@amfam.com
Assured Protection, Inc.
Contact: Beth Rogers
651-779-7000
assuredprotection.net
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR
Yardmasters Landscapes, Inc.
Contact: Craig Primoli
651-439-1750
Yardworks
Contact: Jeff Irsfeld
651-428-3509
MASONRY/CONCRETE WORK/CHIMNEY REPAIR (top of page)
Contact: Sean Anderson
John Dalnes Masonry
MORTGAGE LENDERS
Mortgages Unlimited, Inc.
Contact: Eric Metzler
651-552-3692
651-335-4346
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Contact: Peg Nelson
651-205-8210
Good Stuff Moving
Locally Owned and Operated Since 1999
Contact: Brent Stone
651-488-4808
Local Motion
Mohawk Moving and Storage
United Van Lines
Contact: Larry Regenscheid
763-717-3753
Adams Pest Control
Locally Owned and Operated since 1971
763-478-9810
Hugo Plumbing & Pump Sevice
Contact: Tom Thill
651-433-4866
PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINERS
Pack Rat
PODS (portable on demand storage)
SAM (store and move)
Yardworks
Contact: Jeff Irsfeld
651-428-3509
TREE TRIMMING
Tree Works
Contact: Dan Hamel
651-426-4560
WINDOW CLEANERS
Magically Disappearing Streaks (MDS)
Contact: Mark
651-492-8703
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