Selecting a Contractor

In selecting the right contractor to work on your home, you need to make sure that the company can design and plan your project correctly, do the proposed work correctly, care for your home in the process, deal with you in a professional manner throughout the process, and stand by their warranty should the need arise. The below checklist may help you evaluate the differences between companies in order to make the contractor decision that's right for you.

1. Check to see that the company has liability insurance AND Worker’s Compensation insurance. If a contractor does not have proper insurance you could be liable if someone gets injured on the job. We comply with all Worker’s Compensation laws, and carry $2,000,000 of liability insurance.

2. Check to see that the company has a CT contractor license. It is illegal to do business in CT without being registered. We are a registered contractor.

3. Check how long the company been in business, usually the longer the better. Experience is typically of great value. We have been in business since 1989.
 
4. Check to see if the company has a permanent business address, which usually indicates that they are stable and well adjusted. We have our office in Waterbury, and our garage in Bethlehem.
 
5. Get three estimates to make sure that you get a well-rounded view of your project’s issues and costs. Typically the lowest bidder has under bid the job, which would make it very difficult for him to complete your project fully, and correctly.
 
6. Note how prompt and professional the company is during the design and sales phases of your project. Typically first impressions have a lot to say about what can be expected later on.
 
7. Base your selection on overall value, not just on cost alone. Spending a little less, and getting to an end product that you are less than thrilled with, by a route that is very stressful is no bargain.

8. Understand ahead of time that your remodeling project will probably cost at least a little more than you initially thought it should, and that it will probably take longer than you were hoping it would. Going in with appropriate expectations will help you keep your peace of mind.

9. Review pictures of the company’s previous jobs, an impressive portfolio is usually a symbol of great pride in workmanship.
 
10. Request references from the company.

11. Get a written proposal from the company.

12. Take into consideration the company’s warranty, and their ability and willingness to honor it.