Questions For Contractors For a Successful Home Improvement Project!
Starting a home improvement project can be a daunting task for anyone. Doing your due diligence in research and planning is essential for any home improvement project to be successful. Hiring the right contractor for what you have in mind may be even more difficult. We have listed 9 essential questions to ask a contractor before you hire.
Are You Licensed, Bonded & Insured?
A contractor license is mandatory for any construction business that is generating revenue while working on residential homes. Most licenses differ from state to state. it should be made clear which state your contractor is licensed in. A contractor license suggests that they have the necessary skills and have taken the steps to properly conduct business in your state. Asking for a contractor license is very normal and a copy should be provided when asked for.
If a contractor cannot provide a license for you to review, then you should look elsewhere for someone to work on your home. A contractor that cannot provide a copy of a contractor license should not be trusted and should be reported immediately to the state’s contractor licenser.
When a contractor is bonded, they have obtained a surety bond. The surety bond has 3 parts. The principle – the company that has obtained the bond, the obligee – the party that requires the bond before permitting the business to do the work, it is usually a state or municipal institution. The bond protects the 3rd party from any kind of losses that may occur such as incomplete work, damage, theft etc. The third party can file a claim and be compensated for any kind of losses that may have occurred.
Not to be confused with the surety bond, a contractor that is insured by a third party should be covered for any kind of risks that may occur while on the job. The most common forms of insurance are workers comp and general liability insurance.
DaBella is fully licensed, bonded and insured in every state that we operate in. If you have any further questions about licenses or insurance coverage, our specialist will be happy to go over that information with you during a free estimate.
Can You Provide a List of References?
Providing a list of references should be no problem for most reputable contractors, especially if they have been in business for a good amount of time. Showing you questions or getting some form of communication for a reference will allow you to get a promising idea of the kind of work they do and the standard they set for themselves when dealing with customers.
Ask one of our specialists for a list of references during your free estimate.
What is The Expected Timeline For Work?
If you have a deadline for a project to be complete such as when you are selling the home, predicting a baby or having family over for the holidays; be clear with your contractor about when you want things done. Giving this message gives clear expectations that should be met when contracts are signed.
At DaBella, based on the product, the timeline varies but we have very close connections with our manufacturers, and we will make sure to stick to the timeline that was originally set to the best of our ability.
What Kind of Financing Do You Offer?
Homeowners can either pay in cash or finance their home improvement projects through the contractor directly or a contractor’s third-party financing lender. It is important to keep in mind that a homeowner should never be paying in full until the project is completed and to your satisfaction.
DaBella is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with DaBella, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements and satis completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only. DaBella does not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing DaBella’s customers.
What is The Best Way to Stay in Contact with you?
Whether you’d like to get a simple update on where your project is in the process or have a problem with the installation. You should ask for the best way to get in touch with your contractor whether that’d be through phone, email, or submitting a contact us form on the website.
If you need to get in contact with DaBella, please contact our customer service team at 855-DaBella or 855-322-3552.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
You obviously want a contractor that has been in business for a good number of years and has a reputation for consistency and professionalism. Most home improvement contractors have some experience in this industry but are relatively new business owners. They could be very qualified workers but make sure that they are passing their knowledge and techniques onto their employees.
DaBella has been in business for just over 11 years with 36 offices located in 13 different states. Over those 10 years of business, we have set high expectations of what we want to accomplish. As a result, we have opened 36 offices since the beginning of 2011. Read about the DaBella Story here.
Will You Clean Up Once the Project is Completed?
A good contractor will make sure that all materials and all other building materials are not left on the property after the job is completed. Most contractors will be sure to pick up all nails with a magnet and transport all raw building materials off to be recycled. If the contractor does not include the cleanup in the contract, you do have the option of hiring a post construction cleanup crew.
At DaBella, we strive to leave you with a product that catches eyes and the only way we can do that is by leaving your property the same as it was before the project started. We will make sure your exterior is well protected during the installation as well as after. We will pick up all materials that were unused after we are finished with your home improvement project.
Will I Have a Dedicated Team Working at my Home?
Most contractors work tirelessly on multiple projects for different homeowners. Having multiple crews working on your home could create chaos, especially if there wasn’t clear communication between the two crews on what has been done and what still needs to be done.
A crew that is consistent, stable and shows up with the same workers should make it so there are fewer errors. This will also make it easier to pick up where they left off if this is a multi-day project. You will have a crew that is dedicated to your home and only your home until the project is done. If there are any problems with the finished project, it will be easier to determine who is at fault.
Here at DaBella, we will assign a designated installer crew that will specifically work on your home. There is no jumping around from house to house and our crew will work on the same project until it is done and to your satisfaction.
What is the Schedule for Payments?
You should never pay for a project in full after signing contracts. You should always wait till the project is done to your satisfaction before submitting the final payment. Ask one of our specialists about our financing options and they would be happy to explain the schedule of payments you will make for your next home improvement project.
DaBella is Here to Help You With Your Questions
DaBella has been performing high quality home improvement experiences for thousands of homeowners every year. If you are in need of a roof, siding, windows or bath replacement services, contact the experts at DaBella. We will answer any and all of your questions and will provide you with a free no-obligation quote. Contact us today at 844-DaBella.
