Choosing the right contractor can be a difficult task. The following checklist will assist you in choosing the contractor with the best qualifications for your project.
- Be sure the contractor has General Liability insurance. While General Liability insurance is not required by law, it is a must if you want your contractor to be covered in case of a loss such as fire, rain, etc. Policy limits should not be less then $1,000,000. Obtain original Certificates Of Insurance to be sure all coverage is current.
- Ask if the contractor’s sub-contractors carry the same insurances with at least the same policy limits.
- Check current references. It would be nice to see at least one job in person. Ask questions such as:
- How easy was the communication with the contractor, his employees, and his sub-contractors?
- Was your contractor available for phone and on-site meetings when necessary?
- Did the contractor generate “extras” on the job that should have been in the original contract?
- During extra work, did the contractor treat you fairly with regards to pricing?
- Was the jobsite kept clean?
- Did the contractor offer helpful and creative suggestions to help you through the decision making process?
- Did the contractor work and communicate well with the architect?
- How happy are you with the overall quality of the project?
- If more then one contractor is bidding your project, be sure they are bidding the same plans with the same options.
- When signing the contract, be sure there is a schedule of payments which clearly define how the contractor is to be paid.