One of the hardest parts of renovating a home is hiring a contractor that delivers quality work, on time and within budget. We've put together a quick list of 5 critically important questions we feel you should ask before hiring a contractor:
- Do you have an active CSLB (Contractors State License Board) license, and what is the number and classification?
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- An active license is required to perform any work above $500 for labor and material.
- A “B” class license is required if more than one trade will be performed (i.e. plumbing, electrical, tile, cabinetry, etc).
- Do you carry General Liability, Workers Compensation, and Auto insurance?
- Ask if you select them if you can get a copy of the insurance certificates prior to work beginning.
- Do they have a website?
- All professional companies have information about their companies on the internet in the form of a website, and also have the ability to answer questions and correspond with you by e-mail.
- Are they an active member of the local professional trade associations?
- Top professional contractor participate in trade associations such as NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association), NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), NAHBR (National Association of Home Builders – Re-modeler)
- They adhere to the strict ethical/professional guidelines
- They continually educate themselves and collaborate with other like minded professionals.
- Do they have any professional education certifications
- Do they carry the mandated EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) “Lead Safe” certification?
- All contractors are required, by the EPA, to be certified in lead safe practices to work on homes built prior to 1978.
Imagine Remodeling can answer a resounding YES to all of these questions.
