They say when you own a home, the jobs are never done, right?

Improvement projects can be exciting. And sometimes they are just necessary, such as installing safety features. It’s crucial to ensure that you’re working with the right contractor when completing a task. This way you have confidence that your money is well spent, the job gets done right, and you won’t need to re-do it later.  But how do we know who is a GOOD contractor?

Ask the Right Questions

Asking the right questions can help you understand the contractor’s experience, process, and approach to your project.

So as someone who helps many clients find the right contractor (and has their fair share of failure stories), finding the right contractor can almost feel like dating. It may take a few meet-and-greet discussions to find someone you trust, feel safe with, and who communicates in the style you prefer while still being able to complete the project within budget.

My best suggestion is to not rush this vetting process.  You may want to start by taking referrals from a trusted friend or professional source to help save time and headaches.  If you are searching for someone on your own, here are five questions you can ask before starting a home improvement project.

1.What experience do they have with similar projects?

Why ask this? Understanding the contractor’s experience with projects similar to yours can give you confidence in their ability to handle your specific needs and challenges.

What to listen and look for? How willing are they to share their experiences?  Do they even have other jobs that are similar to the work you are requesting?

2.Can they provide references and/or examples of past work?

Why ask this? Requesting references or examples of past work allows you to see the quality of the contractor’s workmanship and gauge customer satisfaction.

What to listen and look for? How readily do they have clients who they can refer to? Or have photos to share of previous work?

If someone hesitates or has to dig for a good referral, it could mean their business is just starting and they still could be excellent at their job. On the other hand, it could mean they haven’t built good enough relationships or have work they are proud of.

3.What is their process to complete this project?

Why ask this? Understanding the contractor’s process for your project, including timelines, milestones, statements of work, and communication methods, can help you set expectations. And it can help avoid misunderstandings.

What to listen and look for? Do they seem organized/detailed? Does the process fit with your expectations? Are they willing to adjust this process if you have special requests?  How does the process affect the timing of the project?

4.Do they have insurance and necessary licenses?

Why ask this? Ensuring that the contractor has the necessary insurance and licenses protects you from liability and ensures that the work meets legal requirements. If a contractor gets injured on the job at your home, without the proper licensing and insurance, that liability can come back to the homeowner and their insurance.

What to listen and look for? Do they have a License number displayed on their paperwork, work van, etc.? Can they provide proof of their insurance if it is not readily displayed?

5.How do you handle unexpected issues, or changes during the project?

Why ask this? Understanding how the contractor handles unexpected issues or changes can give you peace of mind knowing that they can adapt to challenges and keep the project on track.

What to listen and look for?  Will there be a walk-through at the end of the project?  Are there daily or weekly updates as needed to keep you in the loop? Are you allowed to walk the space when changes occur so you can understand the project more?

Reading the Estimate Details

The last piece of advice is to scrutinize the estimate when you receive it. Say you asked for a whole bathroom remodel.

Is the estimate provided on paper? Or verbally? You always want a paper trail!

Is it broken down into details, such as demolition, supplies, labor, time frame, estimated start date, and more. Or is it a lump sump with little detail about where the money is being allocated?  You always want enough detail to ensure you and the contractor have the same understanding of the deliverables of the job!

Asking these five questions and being aware of things to look and listen for before starting a home improvement project can help you select the right contractor for the job. By understanding their experience, process, and approach, you can ensure a smoother and more successful project outcome. And finally, ensuring the estimate has the details required to make sure everyone understands the project helps keep everyone on the same page.

 

Contributed by:

Dawn Heiderscheidt OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS

As a seasoned Occupational Therapist with years of experience in traditional healthcare settings, Dawn is passionate about helping people live independently in their own homes. She turned that passion into a successful mobile home modifications business when she founded Aurora Independence, leveraging her expertise in home modifications and Universal Design to help clients Age in place.

Dawn is the Owner/Founder of Aurora Independence: “Empowering your independence, enhancing your home.”

Dawn’s client-centered and evidenced-based approach ensures projects can be personalized to unique needs of her clients. She provides home accessibility and home safety consulting on construction projects, additions, and other modifications advocating for proper accessibility at every stage to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.

She shares this expertise as a guest speaker on entrepreneurship at the university level. In addition, she is a national continuing education provider for fellow healthcare and remodeling professionals.

At Aurora Independence, Dawn’s passion for empowering independence is more than just a business — it’s a way of life.

 

In the Friends Life Care  eMeetinghouse blog, we share information about aging in place for older adults. What ingredients make up your perfect mix to living your best life in the retirement years?  For questions about Friends Life Care membership, contact a Friends Life Care Plan Counselor to learn more. Members with questions can contact their care coordinator.