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Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Renovating your home is a big deal. At Great Day Improvements, we understand that and want to make sure every homeowner is happy and comfortable every step of the way. That begins with knowledge. When you know what is happening with your home, you can feel comfortable moving forward with your project. That comfort level can only be reached if you ask the renovation expert the right questions that will both protect you and inform you before you begin your project. At Great Day, we believe in transparency and are here to answer any questions!
Essential Questions to Ask Your Renovation Company
You know what you want to do with your home. You’ve selected a home improvement company, or two, to discuss the project. Before you sign a contract with any of them, there are some questions to go over with your renovation expert. If you aren’t getting the answers you’re looking for, Great Day has the resources to help you find the renovation expert you need.
Are you Licensed, Insured, and Bonded?
Licensed Contractors
Contractors that are licensed, insured and bonded benefit you in many ways. When a contractor is licensed that tells you that they’ve met the local/state standards in competency and knowledge. You might think that’s common sense stuff, but it’s important when you expect your contract to understand local codes and regulations for example.
Insured Contractors
When a contractor is insured, the homeowner is protected from financial liability. It’s a good idea to ask what type of insurance the contractor carries. Most will carry just general insurance—that will protect you in the case of property damage or injuries to the contractor. Some will also carry Worker’s Compensation—this covers medical bills and lost wages to the contractor too.
Bonded Contractor
A bonded contractor is important to the homeowner because it covers the homeowner financially if the contractor fails to complete the job. If for some reason, the job is not completed, the homeowner may file a claim for those financial losses.
Can I See Examples of Past Projects?
Looking at past examples is a benefit to the homeowner for several reasons. This is a great way to see the history of the renovator as well as the quality of the company’s work. When you can lay eyes on their actual projects, you can see if this is an expert you want to work with. Check out the style of the work from project to project and decide if it matches your vision.
Additionally, you may not be sure exactly what you want to do in your own home. Looking at examples in a contractor’s portfolio can inspire you and give you some ideas for your own project.
As for the client reviews, don’t just read the positive reviews. Read the negative ones too. Find out what the contractor did to learn from that project. No one is perfect! At Great Day, we are thankful to the homeowners who have taken the time to express their satisfaction after working with our renovation experts.
Not sure what to expect from your contractor? Talk to a team that puts transparency first. Get a free, in-home consultation from Great Day Improvements.
What’s Your Background and Experience?
A good home remodeler will be happy to share their background and experience, even if they’re new to the business. Even someone new to the business should have had experience working as an apprentice or for another company to build their experience before striking out on their own.
Other questions to consider:
- Can you provide a list of past referrals?
- Will you take care of permits?
- Who will be my day-to-day contact?
- What is the estimated time of completion?
- How will payment work?
- How are change orders and delays handled and communicated?
- What’s the cleanup and post-project process?
At Great Day, we’re happy to provide information about our experience and portfolios of past work. Get a quote from one of our renovation experts and get started on your renovation project today!
What to Look for in the Contract Fine Print
Permits and Inspections
Very often, small towns and villages have requirements that contractors are unaware of. You can save some time and headaches by knowing permit and inspection requirements ahead of time. Be sure to follow up with your contractor to make sure they’re aware of these requirements and have made those arrangements.
If the contract specifies that the homeowner is to deal with the permits and/or inspections, that is a point to discuss with the contractor.
Payment Milestones and Schedules
Very often, contractors will have payment schedules based on project milestones. Make sure those milestones are detailed in the contract. What needs to be completed by each milestone? What allowances are in place if something isn’t completed by that milestone? How does it change the payment schedule?
A typical payment schedule might look like:
| Contract Signing | 10-20% Deposit | Upfront deposit to secure the job, cover materials. Should be no more than 20%. |
| Work Begins | 10-20% | Work begins; covers early labor; getting materials together. |
| Midpoint Milestone | 25-30% | After significant progress: e.g. framing, plumbing, electrical rough-ins. Inspect all work before paying! |
| Substantial Completion | 20-25% | Most of the work done; finishing touches remain. |
| Final Walk-Through/Completion | 10-15% | Held until job is 100% done. |
You and your contractor decide what the milestones should look like before the contract is signed. What should you expect before payment is rendered?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
As an industry, contractors often get a bad rap: projects are never on time, contractors don’t show up for work, etc. How can you as the homeowner protect yourself? Here are some things to watch out for when looking for a remodeling team:
- The company has no website
- No physical business address
- They make you feel uncomfortable
- A lot of recent negative reviews
- The salesperson rushes you to sign things
- Their estimate is much lower than anyone else’s
- They have no warranty
- Unlicensed and uninsured
- No local references
If these come up with an expert you talk to, it’s probably time to consult with someone new.
Partner with Experts You Can Trust
It’s not uncommon to have questions about multiple parts of your contract. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you still don’t understand something. When you have the right renovators, they will take the time to make sure you understand everything before you sign on the dotted line. At Great Day Improvements, our professionals want to be sure you are comfortable and fully informed before you sign the contract.
When it comes to trusting your home with a stranger, you want to know you’re in good hands. At Great Day Improvements, you’ll be cared for from start to finish. Begin with confidence with your home renovation—start with a consultation from the experts at Great Day Improvements.
