1. Determine your needs: Decide on exactly what you need or want to have done. Be able to communicate it clearly. If you have photos of similar work, use them. You will have a much better chance of getting what you want.
- If the size of the project is large, you may need to speak with an architect. But don't wait until the last minute to bring in your home improvement contractor as well. Having the contractor and architect working together from the beginning will alleviate many potential problems.
2. Choose multiple contractors to interview: Select your contractor carefully. Most dependable, good contractors get plenty of work through referrals from satisfied customers, so speaking to other homeowners is the most important first step.
- Flashy advertising does not guarantee quality work. Talk to friends, neighbors and relatives who recently had remodeling work done and ask about the price, quality and dependability of the work. Online referral services can help at the start, but you must still carefully interview each candidate and check their references. Town building officials may be able to steer you away from bad actors.
3. Review list of contractors: Doing preliminary research on your list of names can help narrow down options before you start interviews.
- Start by verifying that each contractor is actively registered as a home improvement contractor with DCP. You may verify online or call 860-713-6110 or toll-free at 1-800-842-2649. When reaching us by phone, you can also inquire whether a contractor has a history of complaints with our agency.
4. Check litigation history online: Visit the CT Judicial website and doing case lookups under Civil,Criminal and Small Claims court records.Select “party name search” from the left menu and type in the contractor’s last and first name in the boxes provided.
5. Meet with at least 3 contractors in person: Ask about experience, current workload, and for phone numbers of recent clients.
- Each registered Home Improvement Contractor is given a wallet card, good for one year. Ask to see the registration card and check the valid dates. Show them the area where work is needed, describe the job. Ask them to give you a written estimate or bid within a few days.
6. Review bids and narrow your selection: Choose two or three final possible choices. Don't choose a contractor based only on the lowest estimate. References and recommendations from others will tell you about dependability and integrity, which are as important as price.
- Additional questions to help your choice: Which of them took the time to really listen? Which took notes and seemed interested in the work? Did anyone seem overly confident or abrupt? Which of the candidates do you feel most comfortable speaking with?
7. Ask for proof of insurance: Ask for a current copy of the contractor's worker’s compensation and liability insurance policies and verify that they are active.
- Home improvement contractors must obtain general liability insurance of no less than $20,000.
8. Determine payment schedule: Discuss a payment schedule and be sure you are both in agreement, as you will be including it in your contract.
- We strongly suggest a 3- or 4-part payment schedule that corresponds to the progress of the work. If a contractor wants all or most of the money as a down payment, this is a red flag.This may be a deal-breaker, and you should consider another contractor.
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