With any new construction or remodel project doing your homework is the first step towards a successful outcome. Take your time – most problems occur when a homeowner fails to investigate contractors carefully before hiring them. Select a contractor you feel comfortable with – one who understands your tastes and needs and with whom you can communicate easily. Asking for references and to see the contractor’s work are excellent ways to learn more about the contractor’s capabilities and quality of work. Always ask for a certificate of insurance to verify workers’ compensation and general liability insurance and always insist on a written contract and change orders. Incorporate any warranties, guarantees or other promises in your written contract. Be specific about start and end dates but remember some delays are unavoidable and beyond the contractor’s control. Finally, beware of the unusually low bid or low advertised price. If a contractor cannot pay for labor, materials and overhead, you are both in trouble. Ask your contractor if they belong to a professional association like the CVHBA. Your home is the single largest investment you will make in your lifetime. A little work upfront will ensure that it will last you a lifetime.
Jennifer Johnson, NAC FD Executive Officer Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association
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