What you should know before signing any contracts.

Home remodeling projects are like owning a sports franchise. Envision it all you want but without the right team around you, the championship will forever be out of reach. Embarking on any remodel requires assembling the right team of experts that are; qualified to play, can execute the game plan and make audibles on the fly when needed. Unfortunately here in reality there is no contractors draft, just google. Fortunately, you found me! So, consider this blog your scouting report and these questions as the key to a first round pick.

1. Are you Licensed?

In all honesty this is how you should start the phone call when they answer.

“Hello Thank you for calling G2 Home Services”

-“Are You Licensed!?” (We would answer yes, by the way)

At risk of sounding like kind of a jerk, This question is non-negotiable because it ensures that the contractor is operating legally. A contractor’s license demonstrates that they have met the necessary requirements and standards set by the state or local municipalities. It also indicates that they have the appropriate training and expertise to perform the work you need. Make sure to verify their license by checking with the relevant licensing board. For Florida that would be the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Hiring a contractor who is not licensed, can pose several significant risks and potential problems. Operating without a proper license is often illegal in many jurisdictions. If you hire an unlicensed contractor, you may inadvertently become involved in legal issues or face fines and penalties, depending on local laws and regulations. Not to mention they have no recourse to their work or actions. Such as payment upfront. Without a professional standard set by a license or having insurance for damages that may be caused to the property, there is no way to hold these contractors accountable.

2. Are You Insured?

Contractors should carry both liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Liability insurance protects you in case of accidental damage to your property during the project. Workers’ compensation insurance covers any injuries sustained by workers on your property. Request to see proof of insurance and verify that it is current. In Florida you can do this at the DBPR website as well.

Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured contractor can lead to legal and financial complications down the road. Protect yourself and your investment by ensuring that the contractor you choose is properly licensed and insured.

For example, Here at G2, we get about a dozen calls every year from people who have been screwed over by some unlicensed local “handyman.” They hire them for a remodel and sometimes, after putting a sizeable deposit down, they never hear back. Or other times, they’ll complete the remodel and it is not to their liking. The “handyman” doesn’t use any channels of communication or improper techniques and they come to us paying a lot more because the job needed to be done twice.

3. Do you use sub-contractors or an in-house crew?

This question is more important than you would believe for a few key reasons.

The biggest challenges posed by a contractor using subs is consistency & quality. While skilled trade workers, subs are often not held to the standard processes of the contractor they were hired by. So the quality in craft will vary. The other problem, is clear lines of communication. Managing communication and coordination between multiple subcontractors can be more complex, potentially leading to delays and misunderstandings during the project.

When a contractor uses an in-house crew, scheduling, quality, standards & expectations can all be managed efficiently. At G2 Home Services, we have made the choice to utilize an in-house crew for our remodeling projects. We believe seeing the same faces, getting to know the crew members and building relationships with our customers is what makes this industry. This level of familiarity ensures that every project we undertake meets our rigorous quality benchmarks, resulting in outcomes that consistently exceed our clients’ expectations.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, hiring the right contractor can be an adventure of its own. With these three essential questions – license, insurance, and in-house v subs – you’ll be well-prepared to find the contractor who’s the true hero for your home improvement quest. And, who knows, maybe they’ll even bring home the championship!

Not sure what you want or what you need? Talk to us today. Here at G2 we help our customers everyday decide which style and layout works best for them. Get some inspiration for your next design by checking out our Project Gallery!

And As Always, consult with your designer before making any final decisions. And remember, G2 is here for you!