5 Important Questions to Ask a Home Improvement Contractor Before Signing

While our current way of living looks vastly different to what we are used to, it is still business as usual at Windows on Washington. However, we have of course implemented some stringent safety measures and are fully committed to following the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to help combat COVID-19, while still providing our clients with their home improvement needs. You can read how we are practicing safe working conditions here. 

And while life is a little unusual right now, it does not mean we cannot make sure our homes are in tip-top shape and that we are living as comfortably as possible. In fact, it is now more important than ever considering how much time we are spending inside. So, if you have been meaning to undertake a home improvement project, there is no need to put it off. In this article, we will be looking at 5 important questions you should ask a home improvement contractor before signing on the dotted line.

1. How long have you been a home improvement contractor?

Generally speaking, the longer a home improvement contractor has been in the business, the better. Why? Because they have had years to work through their ‘growing pains’ that most companies deal with when they are just starting out. Contractors with experience will also more than likely have ready-made systems in place to make sure work is always on time, on budget and of high quality. 

2. What are your health and safety measures amid the coronavirus pandemic? 

Considering the period we are living in, asking a potential contractor how they plan to keep a safe and healthy worksite is paramount. You do not want to hire a contractor who is not adhering to social distancing, or who does not clean effectively, or who works when they are feeling unwell. For example, at WoW, we have implemented a number of measures to ensure worksites are as safe and hygienic as possible, such as additional cleaning protocols for all common areas in the workplace, vehicles, tools, and equipment and keeping a 6+ feet distance from customers and residents.

3. What is the timeline? 

You should know what is going on in your home at all times, which is why it is important your potential home improvement contractor can offer you a timeline, which should ideally include much more than a start and finish date. A timeline should outline tasks and timing, providing you with a holistic view of your project. While home improvement timelines cannot always keep to the timeline, having a rough guideline keeps everyone accountable.

4. Do you have insurance & how will you protect my home? 

While no contractor starts a project with the intention of doing damage to your property, accidents do happen. The important part is that if something breaks or gets damaged during the project, it is not your responsibility to repair damages you did not create. Make sure your contractor has insurance and that you both understand what is and is not covered. 

It is also a good idea to talk about how your contractor plans to protect your home during the process, such as removing and replacing furniture if required, whether or not your home is livable during the process, how they will keep neat and tidy and so on.

5. How will we discuss and keep up to date with the project? 

Ensuring you are on top of what is going on with your home improvement project should be a priority for your contractor and with countless modes of communications these days, it is not hard. From text to email to a regular phone call, understanding how they communicate is vital. Make sure you discuss how they communicate but also how often you should expect to hear from them. For example, what are the steps involved in the project, do they provide a weekly update on where your project is, what is happening next, what is the timing and do you need to do anything to prepare?