Terry Moyer, 5 Star Roofing
In choosing a contractor you should ask these questions. These questions could save you thousands of dollars.
Will the contractor give you a written bid? Giving you information on how the contractor will perform and plans to do the work.
Is the contractor licensed in your town, county, community, or state? Does the contractor have a contractor number?
Will the contractor show you the appropriate work permit for your area? Will the contractor purchase a permit?
Does the contractor have insurance such as liability insurance? Does the contractor have workmen’s compensation insurance? If one of the workers is injured and there is no insurance you could be liable for the medical bills. This depends on what state you live.
Will the contractor give you the telephone number of his insurance agent? Will the contractor provide a certificate of insurance that is current? Sometime insurance agents prefer to provide that directly to you the home owner. Contractors have been known to show you an insurance policy and the premiums haven’t been kept current. Therefore no insurance in place that is active. In the event of problems you the home owner are in trouble.
What associations is the contractor a member. Ideally they are members of the area of expertise of their trade.
What training have their sub-contractors or employees been certified. This can show training level the contractor maintains.
A critical step when the work is completed. Will the contractor provide you a lien release? This can keep you from having to pay bills the contractor didn’t pay when the job is complete.
Doing your home work is critical for your comfort and satisfaction. Good contractors won’t mind any of these question.
Ron DePriest, Copyright 2009
