Checklist For Finding And Hiring A Building Professional

• Do your homework before you start your next building project.
• Contact your local home builders’ association for the names of member builders and remodelers: www.nahb.org/ findanhba.
• Make sure the building professional has a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers.
• Find out how long the company has been in the construction business. It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business. You want to make sure they will be around after the project is complete to service any warranties.
• Make sure the building professional has sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance. If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
• Ask the company to provide you with names of previous customers. If they won’t, beware. If they do, ask the customers if they would hire the professional again.
• Ask if you can see the company’s work, both completed and in progress. Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
• Do you feel you can easily communicate with the building professional? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.
• Make sure the building professional provides you with a complete and clearly written contract. The contract will benefit both of you. If you are having a new home built, get and review a copy of the home warranty and homeowner manual as well.
• Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids. If the company is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem. Keep in mind that less expensive does not necessarily mean better!