Make sure you're working with a legitimate
company when doing home improvement. Look out
for this major warning sign: any company that
won't provide you with a physical address should
be avoided. This is the sign of a fly-by-night
outfit, likely being run out of somebody's
truck. Look for a company that gives you a
physical address and has a good reputation.
Ask Questions
How many projects like mine have you completed in the
last year?
Ask for a list so you can see how familiar the
contractor is with your type of project.
Will my project require a permit?
Most states and localities require permits for building
projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent
contractor will get all the necessary permits before
starting work on your project. You may want to choose a
contractor familiar with the permitting process in your
county, city, or town.
May I have a list of references?
A contractor should be able to give you names,
addresses, and phone numbers of at least three clients with
projects like yours. Ask each client how long ago the
project was and whether it was completed on time. Was the
client satisfied? Were there any unexpected costs? Did
workers show up on time and clean up after finishing the
job? You also could tell the contractor that you'd like to
visit jobs in progress.
What types of insurance do you carry?
Contractors should have:
personal liability
worker's compensation
property damage coverage
Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure
they're current, or you could be held liable for any
injuries and damages that occur during the project.
Attention to details:
example below: Crafton project
The common saying is that excellence is in the detail.
Needless to say, to ensure the success of any project
attention to detail is our upmost consideration. There are
so many aspects to a every project that must be address for
successful competition. The ability to pay attention to
detail is vital. Our stamp upon completion is our bond to
getting the job done right the first time.
