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Choosing a Contractor

Choosing a contractor is the most important decision you will make when planning a remodeling project. Here are some guidelines for selecting a reputable remodeling company:

In Maryland, persons doing work on your home must be licensed and in good standing with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. You can review a company's license status and past history by going to the Maryland Home Improvement Commission website at http://www.dllr.state.md.us/pq/. In the District of Columbia, persons must be licensed and in good standing with the DC Home Improvement Commission. To review a company's license status and past history go to the DC Home Improvement Commission website at http://cpms.dcra.dc.gov/BBLV/default.aspx. You should avoid hiring a contractor with a mark against his license.
Ask if the contractor is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Review the companys performance and how any issues were resolved at http://dc-easternpa.bbb.org/. If there is a history of complaints, this will indicate how the company conducts business.
Ask for references that include past and current clients, particularly those with projects similar in scope and size to your project.
Make sure the contractor is fully insured with liability insurance, which covers property damage, and workers' compensation insurance, which covers personal injuries on the jobsite. Don't risk hiring an uninsured contractor whose employee could be injured working on your home.
In the remodeling industry you get what you pay for. If you've been meeting with contractors and the prices you are being quoted vary significantly, beware! Business and building costs do not differ that much.
When meeting with different contractors, trust your instincts. Are they listening to your wants and needs? Do they follow through? Are they responsive to your calls and questions? Which one can you work with for several months?

Important questions to help you choose the right remodeling contractor for your project

Feel free to print this list of questions to ask any remodeling contractor you are speaking with. Make sure the contractor listens to you and returns your phone calls and emails in a timely manner.

Is the company licensed, bonded and insured?
How much experience does the company have with your type of project?
Is the owner personally involved in managing your project?
Does the company have full time employees who have been with the company for some time?
How much of the work will be subcontracted?
Does the company offer design services?
Can the contractor help you with financing for your project?
How will your property be protected during construction?
Will the job site be cleaned daily?
Does the contract include everything (permits, labor costs, materials, etc.)?
Does the contractor specify quality products or use cheap substitutes?
Does the contractor write a schedule to finish the project on time?
Does the contractor have a thorough warranty?
How long has the contractor been in business?
Has the contractor ever gone out of business or not completed a project?
Is the company financially stable enough to complete your project without relying on payments from their next job?
What percent of the contractor's volume comes from change orders? (Change orders are changes made during construction that result in extra charges for you.)
Has anyone had to sue the contractor?
Does the company have extensive references from more than three satisfied customers?
What did the references say about them?
Is the company a member of an association that requires adherence to a code of ethics such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)?
Are the lead carpenters certified?
Has the company won any awards?
Does the company belong to the Better Business Bureau?

If these issues are important to you, Tabor Design Build is your best choice. Please contact our office at: 301-417-6570!