CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS“21 MUST ASK”


	Porches and Additions
	Basement&Attic Finishing
	Kitchen Remodeling
	Bathroom Remodeling
	Drafting Services
	Commercial Remodeling

1. Are you a licensed building/remodeling contractor and what is your license number? If you hire an unlicensed contractor, you will not have access to the Contractor’s Recovery Fund, which is available to compensate consumers who have suffered losses due to contractor fraudulent, deceptive or dishonest practices.

2. Do you carry builder’s Liability insurance? (Please note: not a framing, drywall or other type of insurance? Builder’s insurance will cover anything during construction, other insurance will cover only what is associated with the trade. The reason why many contractors have only framing or carpentry insurance is because these policies are a lot less expensive then builder’s insurance).

3. Do your sub-contractors carry the same amount of insurance?

4. Do you hire sub-contractors for electrical, HVAC and plumbing? (Only licensed sub-contractors can do this work).

5. Do you pull all permits? (If a contractor does not pull a permit or if you as the homeowner pull the permit then you are responsible for the work not the contractor).

6. What percentage of the work will your sub-contractors will do on my project?

7. What is the limit on yours and your sub-contractors’ insurance policy?

8. What warranty do you offer and what does it cover?

9. How long has your company been registered with the State? To check it go on

www.da.sos.state.mn.us

and enter the business name.

10. Are you a member of BBB, Angie’s List, Builder’s club or any other professional association in good standing?

11. How long will a project like this take to finish?

12. What is your payment schedule? (Do not make any payments upfront).

13. Do you charge for change orders?

14. How much exactly will my project cost to finish?

15. Can you provide me with referrals for at least 2 years?

16. How many projects like this have you done?

17. How booked are you?

18. How many projects do you finish per month?

19. Ask for a Minnesota business address other than a post office box.

20. Ask for a local phone number where the contractor can be reached during normal business hours.

21. Discuss bids in detail with each contractor, making certain you understand the reasons for any variations in the prices. Do not automatically choose the lowest price. One contractor’s bid might be higher because the materials to be used are of a better quality or because the work will be especially thorough and, therefore, require more time and labor.

*You may also find helpful what Minnesota State suggests to check for before hiring a contractor at:

http://www.doli.state.mn.us/rbs_hiring_a_contractor.html

Twin Cities, MN * Minneapolis, MN * Plymouth, MN * Eden Prairie, MN * Lakeville, MN * Maplewood, MN * Shakopee, MN * Oakdale, MN * Chaska, MN * Hastings, MN * Farmington , MN * St. Paul, MN * Eagan, MN * Maple Grove, MN * Apple Valley, MN * Mankato, MN * Roseville, MN * Shoreview, MN * White Bear Lake, MN * Northfield, MN * Brooklyn Park, MN * Woodbury, MN * Minnetonka, MN * Andover, MN * Chanhassen, MN * Excelsior, MN * New Hope, MN * Victoria, MN * Hopkins, MN * Burnsville, MN * Edina, MN * Richfield, MN * Brooklyn Center, MN * Fridley, MN * Prior Lake, MN * Forest Lake, MN * Rosemount, MN * Bloomington, MN * Coon Rapids, MN * Blaine, MN * St. Louis Park, MN * Cottage Grove, MN * Savage, MN * Plymouth, MN * Eden Prairie, MN * Shorewood, MN * Crystal, MN

Your contractor will not like these questions, but you have to ask them to protect yourself.

www.da.sos.state.mn.us

http://www.doli.state.mn.us/rbs_hiring_a_contractor.html