Services: Contractor Referral Service

Selecting the Right Contractor

When you make a home improvement you want it to be right because you have to live with the results for a long time! Whether it's a new heating system, gas fireplace, kitchen remodel or another product from our Contractor Referral Service think about the following points before you decide. A quality home improvement requires both the right product and the right contractor. Consider the following points for furnace, water heater and similar installations.

Did the contractor:

• Contact you promptly and arrive on time?
• Act in a professional manner?
• Ask about and suggest solutions to pre-existing problems (such as condensation, exceptionally cool or warm areas of your home) and list them clearly in the estimate?
• Determine hot water needs, and do a heatloss or heatgain calculation for proper equipment size?
• Verify correct sizing of ductwork and review for possible duct leaks or inadequate duct insulation?
• Identify new wiring and fuel line routes for heating/cooling systems?
• Verify adequate venting for gas heating, and water heating systems or offer direct vent options?
• Explain options such as air cleaners, programmable thermostats or air conditioning?
• Include duct cleaning for heating/ cooling systems?
• Discuss high efficiency equipment options?
• Explain the maintenance requirements of the system you're buying?
• Discuss equipment and installation warranty?
• Explain the permitting process?
• Offer a service contract or extended warranty?
• Describe exactly what the installation work will involve (e.g., disruptions to everyday activities)?
• Provide a detailed, written estimate of work to be performed?
• Explain the company's service and maintenance ability and hours of operation?
• Offer financing options?

Does the written estimate include:

• Disposal of old equipment and other waste created from the project?
• Demolition, rebuilding and painting if appropriate (e.g., for windows or insulation)?
• All permit fees?
• A list of all work to be performed, equipment to be installed and efficiency ratings?
• Warranty length for equipment and labor?
• Service contract?

Remember that proposals from different contractors may look as different as apples and oranges! Don't be shy about asking any contractor to clarify the proposal. Be an informed consumer: read the appropriate materials in this packet. Ask lots of questions and each contractor the same questions for consistency. SOME PROJECTS REQUIRE A RELATIONSHIP!

Remodels or extensive roofing projects can run in to weeks or even months for completion. The contractor you choose is someone you will be "living with" for several weeks or months. Picking the right contractor is essential. Here are some additional issues to consider for the more involved home remodels and roofing projects.

• Don't be afraid to ask questions-write them down so you don't forget, consider financial limits. Clearly define the problem you want to solve.
• You may want to hire a designer to create project specifications if you're not comfortable doing them yourself. For example, specifications for a kitchen-remodeling project might include cabinets, flooring, sinks, faucets, appliances, countertops, doors, windows, and any custom carpentry needs.
• To help communicate what you want, gather photos from publications that illustrate your preferences. Sharing these images will help your service professional get a feel for your tastes.
• When will they start and finish? After you settle contract terms, discuss daily start and stop times as well as completion dates for each phase of the project. Determine if you need to leave the house (during demolition, for example) or can you live there while the project is underway. Let your neighbors know what to expect in terms of traffic and noise. Ask your contractor to avoid using power tools before 9 a.m.
• Set a time for a regular meeting to discuss any problems or issues that arise during construction.
• If subcontractors are involved, what are their names and license numbers? Do not pay in full until you receive material and workers lien releases.
• Check customer references. Many contractors carry photo books to show samples of their work. But the only way to really judge the workmanship is through an on-site inspection. Ask the contractor for names of recent clients, and arrange to examine projects similar to yours.
• How long is the installation and workmanship warranty? Be clear about what is and is not covered. Who issues the warranty? Make sure they have the financial resources and intention to service and honor the warranty in the years to come.
• Insist upon a written proposal. Examine it to make sure you think it is complete and fair. Do not settle for an oral agreement on any of the work to be performed. Have the contractor document all points clearly in writing. If you have a question during the job, ask the person who signed the contract. No one else may have the authority to make decisions or the knowledge to answer your questions correctly. The contract will follow the project through to completion—and, if necessary, to court.
• Last-minute changes are common in a remodeling project. But too many changes can lead to delays, cost overruns and a deteriorating relationship with the contractor. Always specify in your contract that you and the contractor must approve all changes and additional costs. This also protects you from the contractor making changes without consultation. Make all change orders in writing.
• Is a down payment required? Get this in percentage and actual amount. Most experts recommend withholding 10 percent of the project cost until after completion, to ensure that the contractor will return to fix problems. Do they take a credit card? If you pay by credit card, it is much easier to dispute charges if you run into immediate problems.
• Before undertaking a major remodeling project, make sure that all necessary permits have been obtained. Your city's building department could force you to tear down any work completed without a permit.
• Will the contractor give you a signed and completed walk-through checklist from the final building inspection? n Toilets: Can workers use your home's toilets, or will you require portable toilets?
• Telephone: Can workers use your house phone?
• Will heavy machinery damage pavement, patios, lawn, etc.?
• Debris removal: Who is responsible for removing project-related debris from the site, and what is considered removal? Is the curb or alley sufficient? Will workers clean up everything at the end of each day?