Hiring a contractor is the biggest decision in any remodel. The work will be in your home for years, and the person doing it will be in your home for weeks. A few direct questions up front can save you a lot of trouble later.
Here are the ones we think matter most. Ask them of anyone you are considering, including us.
About the company
- Who will actually be working at my house? Ask whether it is the people you meet or subcontractors, and who will be there day to day.
- Can I see a certificate of insurance? Ask for liability and workers' compensation coverage, and ask for the certificate to come from the insurance company, not just a verbal yes.
- Can I talk to people whose projects are similar to mine? A good contractor can point you to past customers, and if possible to work you can look at in person.
About the quote
- What exactly does the quote include, and what does it leave out? Look for the scope written out in detail: materials, labor, demolition, disposal and cleanup. A one-line total makes comparing bids almost impossible.
- What is an allowance, and which items have one? If the quote says a set amount for tile or fixtures, find out what happens if your choice costs more.
- How do you handle surprises once the walls are open? Older New England homes often hide something. You want to hear that you will be told before any extra work happens, with a written price.
About the rules and the schedule
- Who pulls the permits? Many projects need a permit from your town's building department. Ask who handles it and whether the quote includes it.
- Who does the electrical and plumbing, and are they licensed for it? These trades have their own licensing rules in New Hampshire, so ask directly.
- What is the schedule, and what could change it? Ask for a start date, an estimated finish and the main things that could move them, such as material lead times.
About money and the finish
- When do I pay, and how much? Payments should follow progress on the job. If someone asks for a large amount up front, ask why and what it covers.
- What does the day-to-day look like? Ask about start and stop times, dust control, cleanup at the end of each day and how you will get updates.
How to compare what you hear
Take notes during each conversation. By the third contractor, the details start to blur, and your notes are what let you compare fairly.
Price matters, but a low number is only a good deal if it covers the same work as the others. Line the quotes up side by side and look at scope first. Pay attention to how each contractor answers. Someone who explains things clearly and does not rush you is usually telling you something about how the job will go.
Also trust the small things. Did they show up when they said they would? Did they return your call? Did they listen to what you want, or sell you what they wanted to sell?
How we work at CRC
At CRC Home Improvement, we start with a free consultation at your home. You get a clear written quote with an itemized price and timeline. If something changes once the walls are open, we talk with you before any extra work happens. We are fully insured, and when you call, you talk to the people who will do the work. If you would like to run these questions past us, request an estimate and we will go through them. We take on kitchen, bathroom and basement projects across Southern New Hampshire, and you can request an estimate any time.