8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor
Ray Dobson Forget the color scheme, the design elements, and the floor plan. The contractor you choose to redesign your bathroom may be the most important decision you'll make. Hiring a contractor can save you time and money. But if you hire the wrong one, your bathroom redesign project could turn into a nightmare. Here is a list of important questions to ask when hiring a contractor. How long has your business been operating? Choose a business with a solid record in the redesign industry. If a contractor has been in business for a long time, chances are he (or she) will be proud of that fact--and will be happy to give you details. Watch out for contractors who are vague about the length of time they've been in the business, as they may be covering up for a lack of experience. What's your experience with projects like this one? You'll want to hire someone with experience doing exactly what you want done--or as close to it as possible. A general contractor may not be as effective in bathroom redesign as one who specializes in bathrooms. Make sure to ask for references of other projects like yours--then call them. Ask if the contractor's workers showed up on time, whether any problems were discovered after the project was finished, and how responsive the contractor was to customer requests and complaints. Who will be my contact person? Get the names, exact titles, and phone numbers of everyone involved in the project. Make sure you know how to get your project supervisor on the phone at any point during the day, and who to reach if that person isn't available. What's the time frame? Common complaints against contractors include unexplained delays, erratic work schedules, and projects that last much longer than expected. When hiring, it's never too early to talk about schedule. Make sure you know the estimated time it will take to complete the project, when the crew is scheduled to arrive and leave during the day, and how you will be informed of unexpected delays and schedule changes. Who will be doing the work? Many contractors hire out work to subcontractors--which can go smoothly or cause trouble, depending on the firm's effectiveness in communication and the competence of the subcontractor. You'll want to know whether this firm uses subcontractors. All the information you've collected to make an informed decision is useless when the contractor you've chosen subcontracts your project. Make sure you know whether there will be subcontractors involved, and which parts of your project they'll be working on. Does your company have public liability insurance? Any contractor can tell you they're insured. Ask to see a public liability document. Public liability insurance ensures that if the contractor damages your property, even through negligence, they're liable for the damages. It also ensures that if their workers are injured at your house, they'll cover costs. Otherwise, your homeowners insurance may have to pay. What's your VAT number? Ask to see it. If the contractor isn't VAT registered, it's a bad sign. Even a small contracting business makes enough to hit the VAT registration threshold. In some instances, contractors may offer to do a cash-only deal, in the hopes of saving you from paying VAT. These deals can look tempting--but are never a good idea. A cash deal means no invoice, no legitimacy in the eyes of the law, and no protection if anything goes wrong. It's also illegal--and could lead to serious consequences down the road. What does the quoted price include? The fine print can make or break your budget. The contractor's quoted price should include VAT and materials, as well as everything stated in your specifications. To get the closest-possible estimate, it's recommended that you write out a detailed list of specifications for exactly what needs to be done on the job. If it's not detailed enough, the contractor may charge extra for whatever isn't included. For example, when a contractor gets specification list that says, "Remove old bathroom units," he may charge extra to take the units off-site. If the homeowner had said, "remove and dispose of old bathroom units," it would have been included in the price. It's best to give the specifications to contractors before they arrive at your home for an estimate. Of all the mistakes and pitfalls that can happen in the course of a bathroom redesign project, choosing the wrong contractor can be the worst. A good contractor can make your bathroom redesign project as hassle-free as possible--but a bad one can make it a very unpleasant experience. Take your time and ask thorough questions, and you're more likely to find the right contractor for your redesign project. About the Author
R Dobson is managing director of WD Bathrooms and Showers based in Sheffield UK. For more info on bathroom and shower products visit http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk/ Ray Dobson may be contacted at http://www.wdbathrooms.co.uk. Click here to view more articles by Ray Dobson. Reprinted with Permission from IdeaMarketers.com
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