Embarking on a home remodel is a huge task that can make your home more comfortable and functional, as well as add value. Whole-home remodels don’t need to be stressful and overwhelming. When you hire a competent, experienced, and reliable home remodel company, the job will be much faster, easier, and less risky. Here are some key questions to ask before signing a contract with a home remodeling contractor.
Are You Licensed & Insured?
Your contractor’s license confirms that they have the experience, training, and qualifications necessary to do the work they’re advertising. Make sure their license is current and they don’t have any unresolved complaints or violations. Insurance will protect you if the contractor causes any damage to your home or gets injured while completing work on your property. In Arizona, the Registrar of Contractors has an additional fund to protect homeowners who use LICENSED contractors, in the event their contractor does not finish the job or goes out of business. If you use an UNLICENSED contractor, you are doing the job at your own risk. That is one of the reasons why a licensed contractor is “more expensive” than an unlicensed one. Licensed contractors pay into the fund when they renew their license, they have workers comp, general liability, auto insurance and payroll taxes to pay.
Is Your Work Under Warranty or Guarantee?
Licensed contractors in the State of Arizona offer a 2 year warranty for their labor, parts, and materials. The materials they use might also be under a manufacturer’s warranty. Warranties and guarantees protect you if the product fails, or something goes wrong weeks, months, or years later.
Do You Have a Portfolio of Completed Projects?
Looking at a portfolio of your contractor’s completed projects will give you a sense of the jobs they can handle. You can get a sense of whether their work meets your needs and if the contractor is a good fit for your project. You can also look at online customer reviews or ask for references.
Can You Provide an Estimate for Cost and Timeline?
Your contract should outline a price for the cost of services, as well as a general timeline or schedule by which work will be completed. Always be aware that unforeseen costs and delays can occur, which may be beyond the contractor’s control. When you open a wall to do work for a remodel, sometimes the existing work, such as electrical wiring or plumbing may be old or damaged and may need to be brought up to code or repaired. This will be an added expense to your contract and can increase the time frame to do the work. Additionally, sometimes lead times can be extended for products that need to be ordered or are out of stock, due to high demand.
If you’re considering a home remodel project in Tucson, AZ, contact us at Corso Construction. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call us today or contact us online.