These are questions To Ask Before Inviting a home contractor Out
To Your Home:
Are you licensed? Make sure your contractor is properly
licensed. In the State of Delaware, all contractors MUST be
either certified by the State (if they have a statewide
license), or registered with the State (if they have a
countywide license). Anyone can say they are licensed. Make the
contractor prove it by either showing you the license or giving
you a copy of it. Remember to check the expiration date, and the
county if It’s a countywide license. Being licensed is the law.
If a contractor cannot produce a valid license, DON’T HIRE
HIM!
1. If you live in a townhouse, villa, or high rise condominium
building with four or more units, only a Building Contractor or
General Contractor are permitted to perform remodeling work. Do
not hire a Residential Contractor; he would be operating outside
of his license. Furthermore, hire a specialty contractor (trim,
carpentry, drywall, glazing, aluminum, plumbing, electrical,
mechanical, roofing, etc.) to do only the type of work the
license specifies.
If you have any questions or doubts, call the Delaware
Department of Business and Professional Regulation, or the New
Castle County Construction Industry licensing board.
2. Do you carry general liability insurance? Make sure
your contractor carries general liability insurance. This type
of insurance protects your property in case of damage caused by
the contractor and/or his employees. The insurance company will
pay for the cost of replacing and/or repairing any damage that
occurs.
Anyone can say they are insured. Make the contractor prove it by
having their insurance company FAX or mail to you a certified
copy of his insurance with you named as the certificate holder.
3. Will you provide me with a written lien waiver? Your
contractor should provide you with a written lien waiver at the
end of the job. This is a legal document, which says you the
homeowner have paid the contractor in full for the services
rendered and the contractor waives his right to place a
mechanic’s lien on your property. If during the course of
construction you receive any Notice to Owner documents from
material suppliers or sub-contractors, it would be prudent to
ask the contractor for a Final Release of Lien from each one
prior to paying the contractor his final draw. This protects you
in case the contractor doesn’t pay his material suppliers or
sub¬contractors after you have paid him in full.
4. Are you a member of NARI or NAHB? NARI stands for the
National Association of the Remodeling Industry and NAHB stands
for the National Association of Home Builders. It’s always a
good idea to consider hiring a NARI or NAHB contractor. In most
cases, both organizations only attract conscientious contractors
interested in bettering the industry and in weeding out
unprofessional contractors. In order to become a member, the
contractor’s background and references are thoroughly
investigated.
5. Will you pull all the required building permits? Make
sure your contractor pulls all required permits. This is very
important. When a contractor pulls the required building
permits, you know things will be done to “code’. Also, many
homeowner’s insurance policies require pulling a permit on any
major remodeling to keep your home properly covered. Not all
contractors will do this. Many prefer not to pull permits
because of the time involved and the “hassle” with the
inspectors. Some contractors may ask you to get the permits.
This could be a warning sign that they are not able to pull the
permit because they are unlicensed, or the work is outside of
their license. A reputable contractor will permit every job
where a permit is required.
6. Do you guarantee your work? Your contractor should
guarantee his work for at least one year from date of
completion.
7. Who will be In charge of the Job? Make sure the
contractor or his foreman is on the job whenever work is being
performed, - especially if sub-contractors will be used. The
responsible party must be intimately familiar with every aspect
of your project. If you won’t be home during the construction
and must leave the house unlocked, or leave a key with the
contractor, you must feel comfortable. You can’t be worried
about what is going on when you are not there.
8. Will you provide me with written references? A good
contractor will be happy to provide you with references. You
should look for a well-established contractor who can give you
several client references from the last 6 months to one year.
Ask for the name of the contractor’s accountant or banker. You
want to ensure the contractor is financially sound and won’t be
declaring bankruptcy in the middle of your project.
9. What percentage of your business is repeat or referral
business? When a significant source of a contractor’s
business is derived from repeat and referral business, it
usually indicates that his clients are pleased with the work
they have received.
10. How many projects like mine have you completed in the
last year? Your contractor should have experience in the
type of remodeling project you want done — not just
“contracting experience”
11. How do you handle “dirty work”? Construction is dusty
and dirty; it gets everywhere, especially if any sanding is
being done. Make sure the contractor will make an honest effort
to keep the dust contained, or notify you when the heavy dust
generating operations will take place so you can place sheets
over furniture or move sensitive belongings. Make sure the
contractor agrees to sweep up and place all construction debris
in a predetermined place or refuse container at the end of every
day.

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