|
Tips for Hiring a Contractor
1. Are they licensed in Washington State? Ask to see their registration card, and check its expiration date.
2. Verify the contractor’s license. You can do this by calling the State of Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries at 1-800-647-0982 or visit the L&I website. Ask if there have been any complaints about the contractor, and if any, the status.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Good communication with your contractor is vital to a successful project, as it helps clarify exactly what you want done. Get the answers that satisfy your needs; after all, it's your home!
Are they a local company?
How long have they been in business?
What type of work are they licensed to do?
To what local trade associations do they belong?
How many jobs have they done similar to yours?
Have they done work before that requires a permit?
Who are their local work references?
Who are their materials supplier references?
Can they get you a copy of their insurance certificate?
4. Do your homework. Check references thoroughly. Visit past work done by your contractor, and ask the homeowners for their opinions on the work done.
5. Examine your bids carefully. Bids that are noticeably lower than all others should be questioned. The difference may be in the quality of materials used, experience of the crew doing the actual work, something missing on the bid requirements, or it can be an indication that the contractor is not covering all of the legitimate business costs. Don’t automatically disregard a high or low bid, ask questions!
6. Permits are for your protection! Make sure permits are in place and inspections are made as the work progresses. Make sure the name of your contractor appears on the permit.
|
