Are you undertaking a home renovation or building a new house? If so, you will make many critical and complex decisions. Your home renovation or construction project will begin with hiring the right contractor. Having the right construction team on your side can make a massive difference.

Regardless of the project’s nature, the building professional you hire will impact everything, from worksite safety to the quality of the finished product.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor

Building a new home is a large financial and emotional investment. You will also need to invest significant time. That is especially so if you want to give your opinion about various issues as the project proceeds. It would help to know what to expect before construction begins. Here are four questions you should ask your contractor before work begins.

What Is Your Project Schedule?

A project schedule is more than the start and end date. It should outline various tasks and timing. This will help give you a better understanding of the sequencing and deadlines. It should also provide a benchmark to help you determine whether the contractor is sticking to the schedule. The schedule is everything, even with smaller construction projects such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Do You Have a License to Do This Type of Work, and Which Types of Insurance Do You Carry?

Licensing is an essential component of many industries, including construction. So, you should ask for a copy of the contractor’s license and ensure it is current. Furthermore, the contractor should have general liability coverage that protects your property and home in case of an accident.

You can rest assured knowing that the contractor will take care of the damage if they hit a water line, flood your home, or cause any other damage. Your contractor should also carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect you from liability if someone sustains an injury while working on your property.

Will You Require Subcontractors for the Project?

It is rare for contractors to have every type of building professional under one roof, especially when constructing a new home from the ground up. Many resort to subcontracting specific aspects of the work out to electricians, plumbers, painters, and other professionals.

If your contractor intends to do so, request the names of those they will hire and the type of work they will do. You should verify their credentials and ensure they carry the necessary insurance.

What Kind of Written Warranty Do You Give?

Most building contractors will guarantee their work. Some even provide a written warranty stipulating the following:

• What the warranty covers

• Warranty period

• What it does not cover

You want a contractor who will provide a long-term warranty for things like the foundation and other areas.

Conclusion

Home construction is a massive financial, time, and emotional investment. So, it would be best to ask as many questions as possible to feel confident. If something seems fishy or unclear, dig deeper and ask more questions to ensure you are comfortable working with the contractor.

For more construction tips, visit Amazing Homes at our Burbank, California office. Call (888) 409-0091 to schedule an appointment today.