What to Look For in Home Improvement Contractors

When you are hiring a home improvement contractor, you need to make sure to check their references before signing any contract. You should also check the license and insurance of the contractor, and be sure to request a copy of the contract. The Consumers’ Bill of Rights states that all agreements between the two parties must be in writing and state the start and completion dates. It is also important to note that the contract must be signed by the consumer and must include a written notice of cancellation.

Home improvement contractors should be licensed by the Department of Consumer Protection, so make sure to check their credentials. If they are not licensed, they could be liable for injuries or damage. Even though the state’s licensing requirements differ from state-to-state, reputable companies should be able to buy materials on credit. They also should be insured, so you can be assured that they will complete the project without incurring any financial risks. You can narrow your list of potential contractors by asking for licenses and certificates. You can contact the licensing authority and find out if they are registered in your state.

Ask for references. Good contractors will have a portfolio of completed projects. Whether the project was completed in a year or a month, look at the work of a potential contractor. A company that doesn’t have a portfolio is a huge red flag. A quality contractor will not hesitate to provide you with a portfolio, whether it’s online or in person. In addition, a quality home improvement contractor will not be shy about showing you their work.

Be honest. Be upfront and clear about your budget. If the estimate is based on an estimate, you’re more likely to hire a company that is upfront and honest with its clients. Always keep the contract for future reference. If the contractor isn’t upfront with their price, a potential client might be hesitant to hire them. In this case, you’ll want to look for someone else. But if you don’t trust the contractor, they won’t work for you.

Ensure the home improvement contractor you hire is registered with the DCP. This means that they must display their registration number on all advertising. A contractor with a license is more likely to have satisfied customers. A company with many years of experience in the field is more likely to be reputable. This makes sure that you’re getting the best value for your money. You can also ask for references from previous customers. This will help you know if the contractor is reliable and responsive to your needs.

Besides calling references, it’s also important to ask the contractor to show you their portfolios. The portfolios should include photos of the work during and after the remodeling process. You can also ask the contractor to send you pictures of their completed projects. You can see the progress of each project to determine if it was done well. Lastly, you’ll want to check for the quality of the finished product. Once the home improvement contractor has finished your project, you can compare it with the previous projects they’ve done.