Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Contractor

When you have an issue in your home, it is often necessary to contact a Contractor to repair it properly. When doing so, however, it can be helpful to know some questions you should ask your Contractor to ensure he or she can provide you with the necessary services at a reasonable cost. Following are some of the main questions you should ask your Contractor:

Are you licensed? Before a trade Contractor begins work on your home, you should always make sure he or she is licensed, as this licensing guarantees the he/she has experience in the field and has the experience and expertise to fix your problem.

Are you insured? In addition to licensing, the Contractor should also be insured, which protects both you and the Contractor from any future disputes if anything goes wrong with the Contractor’s work.

How much does it cost? While cost should never be the single determining factor when you hire a Contractor, it is certainly something to consider. To find the best cost-to-benefit ratio, you should consult several Contractors to obtain estimates.

How long have you been in business? The longer the Contractor has been in business, the more likely he or she is to have the specific experience and expertise necessary to fix any issues you may have. In addition, many years in business indicates the Contractor uses stellar business practices.

Do you have any references? References are one of the most important aspects of selecting the best Contractor, as they ensure the Contractor has a group of satisfied customers willing to acknowledge his or her work is up to par.

Have you worked on this particular type of problem before? It is always a good idea to ask your Contractor if he or she has worked on the same type of problem before, as this ensures the Contractor has experience fixing the same type of issue.

What warranties do you offer? Most Contractors offer some type of warranty with their work, which means if there are any problems with their work, the Contractor agrees to fix it for free. Make sure you get this in writing.

Can you provide a written and detailed estimate? It is always good to obtain a detailed written estimate from any Contractor you consider hiring, as this enables you to compare Contractors and determine which is best for you.

What caused this problem? It is usually helpful to know the specific issue that has caused the problem you are experiencing and whether you have done anything specific to cause the problem.

What is necessary to prevent the problem from happening again? To keep the same problem from happening in the future, it can be helpful to ask the Contractor if you can do anything differently to avoid the issue in the future.

Choosing the best Contractor for your specific needs is usually a matter of asking the right questions to ensure you select the right person for the task. For more information about hiring a Contractor, contact (403) 366-0850 or visit our website at www.builderblock.ca.