Know your contractor

May is National Home Remodeling Month.

If you’re thinking about a remodeling project and plan to use a contractor, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recommends homeowners ask potential contractors the following questions:

•How long have you been in business?

•Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?

•Who will work on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?

•Does your company carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance? (Always verify this information by calling the agency.)

•What is your approach to a project such as this?

•How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?

•May I have a list of references from those projects?

•May I have a list of business referrals or suppliers?

•What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?

•Are you a member of a national trade association?

•Have you or your employees been certified in remodeling, or had any special training or education, such as earning designations as a certified remodeler (CR), certified remodeler specialist (CRS), certified lead carpenter (CLC) or certified kitchen & bath remodeler (CKBR)?

Cheryl-Anne Millsap