Below are questions that I and other NARI (National Association Remodeling Industry) members recommend you ask before signing a remodeling contract:
- How long have you been in business?
- Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?
- Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?
- Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?
- How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?
- May I have a list of reference 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 a Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS) or Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) or Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR) or Certified Aging in Space (CAPS) designation?
It’s also important to realize that sometimes it’s not the answers you get that are significant, but what you don’t get. You need to pay attention to your instincts and to what information is missing.
Remodeling can be a fun experience. You get to create your dream room or home and learn a little about design and building along the way. All you need to do is ask questions. So tap into your curiosity and ask away.
