Tidewater Builders Association

Choosing a Qualified Remodeler

Selecting Your Contractor
Before you look for a contractor, think your project through from start to finish. Be prepared to tell the remodeler what you want, as specifically as you can. he or she will transform your ideas into reality using his/her expertise and professional knowledge, but only based on how much information you are able to supply in the beginning.

The Tidewater Builders Association Remodelers Council network provides information and assistance to the public and increases the skill and knowledge of its members. The Council also administers an awards program recognizing outstanding remodeling and workmanship.

Some items to consider when selecting the contractor for your remodeling job are:

Does the remodeler have a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers?
Is the contractor licensed? How long has he been in business?
Does the contractor have proof of workmen's compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
Is the contractor insured through a reputable remodeling warranty program?
Will he provide you with names of previous customers? Ask if they would hire the same contractor again.
Ask for at least one reference regarding work that was completed one year ago.
Have you seen the remodeler's work, both completed and in progress? Check the quality of workmanship and special materials.
Have you called the local Better Business Bureau and Office of Consumer Protection for your area? They can alert you to any outstanding complaints.
Do you feel comfortable with the contractor? Remember you will be in close contact with him and will share your house with the crew until the project is completed.

The Contract

Since a written contract protects both you and the contractor, put all agreements in writing. Spell out exactly what the contractor will and will not do and if you intend to do some of the work yourself, write this into the contract as well. Never sign a blank or partially blank contract. If you have any questions or do not understand something, ask before you sign. Get a copy of the contract as soon as you sign it.

Be sure the financial terms of the contract are clear. The contract should include the total price, when payments will be made, and whether there is a cancellation penalty. On any home improvement job, you should expect to make a downpayment representing approximately one-third of the total contract price. State or local laws may limit the amount. Except for the downpayment, you should avoid making payments for work that has not yet been completed.
Schedule payments at weekly or monthly intervals or after completion of each phase of the project.

When you sign a home improvement contract in your home and in the presence of the contractor or contractor's representative, you usually have three working days to change your mind and cancel the contract. You should be
informed verbally and in writing about your cancellation rights. If you need emergency repairs, you can waive your rights, which is important because contractors usually wait until the end of the "cooling off" period before starting work.

The contract should include a specification sheet for the project. If a warranty is offered, get it in writing and read it carefully. A warranty must say if it is "FULL" or "LIMITED" and should specify who will honor the warranty - the contractor, dealer, or manufacturer. The warranty should include the name and address of the party offering it, as well as the duration of coverage.

Your coverage should specify an approximate starting date and completion date for your project. However, understand that external factors such as the weather o the availability of supplies might cause delays. Make sure the contract includes everything you feel is important to the job, including clean up, any special requests like saving materials, and instruction regarding pets, children, or where materials may not be stored. Changes in the scope of the project that occur during the course of construction are commonly called change orders. any changes in the work a remodeler is to do should be put in writing as an amendment to the contract, including any changes in costs, and agreed upon by both parties.

Other Items to Consider

If architectural plans are required for your remodeling job, insist that you approve them before work begins. Never sign a completion certificate until all the work called for in the contract is properly completed. Lenders usually require a signed completion certificate before they will release the last payment.

Zoning regulations vary from place to place. If you are planning any alterations or additions to your home, you or your contractor should check with zoning authorities to determine what permits or permission you need to proceed with your project. Your contract should call for the work to be performed in accordance with all applicable building codes. The contractor should obtain the necessary building permits.

If problems arise, try to resolve matters with the contractor directly. Make sure all problems or complaints are addressed in writing directly to the contractor so that you both have a record. If you are unable to resolve the dispute with your contractor, contact your local Office of Consumer Affairs or Better Business Bureau. They can work with you and the contractor to attempt to resolve your complaint through mediation. The Consumer Resources Handbook offers general information on making purchases and resolving complaints.

To obtain free single copies, write to: Handbook, Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009.

If you have additional questions or require other information, please contact the TBA Remodelers Council, 2117 Smith Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23320, (757) 420-2434.