A homeowner should choose a contractor that carries only a class A BLD license, and a “lead safe certified firm”!
Why:
- An exam must be studied for and passed.
- The EPA has required all persons that perform work for compensation and disturb an area of 6ft or more on homes before 1978 must have a lead Safe Certificate and follow "Lead Safe Practices".
- There is financial backing specifically needed to apply – some contractors do not have this and can leave you with a disaster.
- Workers Comp. You are responsible if a contractor does not have Workers Comp Insurance! If an accident occurs on your property you will be liable. Our company carries Workers Comp Ins. on all of our employees.
- The highest Liability Insurance. If a contractor does not carries over $2 million in Liability Insurance, STAY AWAY! The cost of replacing a home and expenses incurred to neighboring homes, townhouses or condos can grossly exceed minimum liability requirements.
- A company that has full time employees is a must. Sub-contractors (in most cases) do not need to report or be responsible to the owner. TPT has employees that have been professionally trained with benefits. They enjoy their jobs.
- Don’t ever pay more than 10% down. Keep the leverage on your remodel in your favor.
- Check the Better Business Bureau.
- Get a start date, and a completion date! This is very important. Over the years we have seen projects that take a week turn into several weeks and even months.
- If a contractor cannot tell you what the job costs during the estimate, it probably means he/she is playing games and/or doesn’t specialize in that field.
