Once you have decided on the home improvement project you want to complete, you will have to pick one out of several potential home improvement contractors. Find the right contractor by asking them the following questions.
Are You Registered?
Registered home improvement contractors are issued a registration card by the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, which is valid for one year. This is similar to the contractor’s license issued in other states. Your potential contractor should carry this during every consultation, and should have no problems showing it to you.
Are You Insured?
Ask for a current copy of the contractor’s insurance certificate. The coverage should include both workers’ compensation and general liability insurance, and take the time to verify with the insurance if both are active. In the event that a worker is injured, or if your property is accidentally damaged, it won’t impact you or your own insurance coverage.
How Many Projects Are You Working On Now?
If your home needs new exterior vinyl siding, or some other project that needs to be completed in a timely manner, you need to know if the contractor can start and finish as promised. An experienced contractor like us will know better than to take on more than we can finish on time and won’t give you a start date unless we can commit to it.
What Is Your Payment Schedule?
Legitimate home improvement contractors will never ask for the full payment upfront. A typical payment schedule consists of a down payment, one or two installments corresponding to the progress of installation and the final installment upon completion.
Can You Provide a Written Estimate?
Do not hire a contractor that can only provide a verbal estimate. Chances are, you’ll get an entirely different cost on the contract. At the very least, you should get a PDF copy of it, with the physical copy mailed or delivered shortly. Do not choose your contractor based on the quoted cost. The other factors discussed above are equally important.
To learn more about home improvement and residential roofing services, call Harmony Home Improvement today at (860) 516-9103. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We are located in Glastonbury, CT and serve nearby areas.
