In the construction industry, the majority of contractors are trustworthy and honest. However, like in other enterprises, some scammers are willing to run away with your money. Finding a reliable and reputable home extension contractor who can deliver requires in-depth research. Making an online search on customer feedback regarding construction projects can scare you off when hiring a contractor to work on your home extensions or home additions.

There are many horror stories of contractors who did shoddy work that required hiring another professional to fix hence paying more. Some contractors run off without working after receiving money, while others take years to complete projects such as house extensions. Here are several research guidelines that can help you find a reliable home extension contractor to hire for your project.

Do Your Homework

Before hiring the services of a contractor on your project, it is necessary to visit websites such as HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List to remove the guesswork out of your hiring plan. These sites have an extensive database of home extension contractors that members have reviewed and are HomeAdvisor verified. Building trade association and your local chamber of commerce can be helpful by giving you recommendations before hiring a home extension contractor. Insurance companies can present you with vital information on the reputable local contractors that have insurance agreements in place. After researching, analyze your options and contact at least three highly-rated contractors ready to work on your project to make a bid.

Get Contractors’ License Numbers

After narrowing down the contractors to three, request for their license numbers and certificates of insurance, which are requirements in every state. Contact your local municipality using the contractor’s business license number to determine the contractors’ legality in business. The certificate of insurance will cover any unfavorable events that may arise in the course of the project. You should visit your HomeAdvisor’s state licensing page to confirm that your home extension contractor meets your state’s unique requirements on project licensing.

Ask Questions

Coming up with a list of questions before meeting each contractor ensures you don’t forget something important when discussing your project. Your questions should be:

  • What local trade associations have you joined?
  • How long have you operated in this business?
  • Can you produce at least three recent references on completed projects?
  • What payment schedule is necessary?
  • What is required to get the workspace ready?
  • How loud will the workplace be?
  • How much dust will emit around the project site?
  • How much trash do you expect to produce, and how will you clean it?
  • Will your workers wear protective gears when working at the site?
  • Where will you be storing tools and materials on the course of the project?

Get An Itemized Bid

All interviewed contractors should give you an itemized bid, which allows you to assess your options. The tenders should provide you with necessary information on labor costs, materials required, permit fees, and other expenses. An itemized bid gives you upfront and clear cost information about your project, which helps you to budget wisely according to your finances. Therefore, you should not hire a contractor who fails to provide you with an itemized bid.

Conclusion

Researching helps in acquiring a great contractor. You should relieve your stress by working with experienced professionals who are trustworthy and responsible for completing projects. Working with professionals gives you value for money in the construction industry.

For nearly 40 years, GAMCO Remodeling has been the trusted home extension contractor in Long Island. We have a number of certifications and licenses in the state of New York and a five star rating on Google, Home Advisor and Angie’s List.

For more information contact us or call GAMCO Remodeling at (631) 587-2266.