You have a dream. A gourmet kitchen with all the bells and whistles. You can hardly wait to get started on the project and begin to make appointments with contractors to assess the project and begin the process of getting bids. But, how do you know that the contractor you select is qualified and trustworthy? Is she just going to run off with your money without finishing the project just like what happened to your neighbor John? Those are all very valid questions, and you are wise to investigate the answers. Here is our list of important things to know before you hire a remodel contractor.
Contractor’s License
In many states, including Oregon, it is a requirement that a contractor have a valid and current CCB license. CCB stands for Construction Contractors Board, which is the governing body for all commercial and residential construction work in Oregon. Why is it important that you work with a contractor that has a CCB license? Well first off, the CCB guarantees that the contractor you have selected has the appropriate liability insurance and bonding required by the state. They also require that your contractor pass a competency test pertaining to best practices for the construction industry. In addition, they provide many educational opportunities, and required learning that, in the end, benefits everyone involved with a project. You can use the free search tool on the CCB’s website to verify that your contractor is licensed, and to search for complaints made against him in the past. This is a great tool for homeowners that want to verify that they are working with a real pro.
Proof of Work
Before investing thousands of dollars into your home and embarking on a relationship with your home remodeling contractor that could last for weeks, if not months, be sure to check their work! Check their website for reviews and pictures. Ask her to take you on a personal tour, if possible, to see firsthand some of the work she have done. Ask for contact information for some of the past clients and talk to them. Find out if they communicate well, show up on time and keep the jobsite neat and clean. And remember, no one is perfect. So, if you happen to come across a bad review or reference, don’t be surprised! It happens to everyone. What you may find very informative however, is your contractor’s response to a bad review or challenge. Did they keep the communication professional? Did they make efforts to rectify the source of the complaints? Or did they resort to name calling and finger pointing? Doing your homework in this way will give you the confidence that you have hired the right remodel pro.
Hire Local
Why should you hire local? After all, you might be able to find a better price from someone from the big city. However, hiring local is important. It supports the community of Central Oregon, a community that we all love and want to see thriving. Also, local contractors care about the quality of their work and the satisfaction of their customers. They live here. They work here, and their reputation means everything. They know that their business depends on quality work and happy customers, and they will work hard to achieve that. Hiring local also improves communication, something that is vital to any successful construction project. Knowing that your contractor is always close by gives you the peace of mind that no matter what comes up, a solution can quickly be found.
Get It In Writing
Just like your grandma always told you, the devil is in the details. Before any work commences or any money changes hands, make sure you have a written signed contract that complies with the state of Oregon’s requirements. Any construction performed in Oregon that exceeds $2000 in work to be performed, is required to have a written contract. Details need to include:
- A clear written scope of work to be performed
- The price and the payment terms
- Your name and address
- The name, address and CCB# of your contractor
- Three additional documents that the state requires. More information can be found here.
Other details that can be very helpful to have in writing include:
- Proposed work hours and workdays
- Estimated length of the project
- Details for parking, tool storage, port a potty location
- Payment arrangements.
As you can see, if these details are not discussed and put into writing, many misunderstandings and headaches will occur. These are extremely important details, and often you will regret overlooking them.
Follow The Money
Remember that often there is a substantial amount of money that needs to be spent before any work can commence. The expenses can include permitting and design fees, deposits needed to secure contracts for other trades and the purchasing of materials and supplies. In addition, some working capital is needed right away to fund administrative expenses and the planning portion of your project. All this is the long way to say that a request for a deposit upon signing the contract is very normal and to be expected. But remember, money shouldn’t start leaving your bank account until you have followed the steps previously mentioned in the blog. Don’t be tricked into writing a fat check based on verbal promises and random emails. Get your ducks in a row, do your research, get it in writing, and then you will have the confidence to let the money flow.
What Does Your Gut Say?
And finally, listen to your gut. Do you enjoy the interaction with your potential remodel contractor? Is she a problem solver or a Debbie downer? Does she respond promptly to questions or concerns. Is her truck neat and clean, and does she promote a professional appearance when you see her? If something feels fishy, or off, don’t ignore those feelings. You will be inviting the person into your home, and it is important that trust and likeability be established right off the bat.
Hopefully you found this information useful. This is the formula we recommend to all our clients that they use when evaluating our firm. Starting a project, the right way, by thoroughly vetting your contractor is the first vital step in a successful home remodel project.