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Hunting for a qualified Seattle general contractor to start your next home project? Ensure you're well-prepared before interviewing - know the necessary questions to determine whether an applicant is trustworthy and experienced. But what exactly should these questions be, and how can you evaluate their answers properly? Get ready--here's the ultimate guide to help you confidently select the perfect pro!
1. DO YOU HAVE A CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE AND INSURANCE?
Before you hand over the work to your contractor, you must ensure they have all of the right licenses and insurance. Falling short in either area could put both parties at risk financially. Different states require different levels of licensing for contractors, but additional licensure is always a safer bet wherever possible than just reaching minimum requirements alone! Similarly, with their insurance coverage, worker's compensation should be a top priority - otherwise, any accidents that happen onsite due to claims or liability fall on your shoulders.
2. WHAT'S YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE?
Asking a Seattle general contractor about their time in business and the number of projects completed is important to measure their experience. Also, dive deeper into finding out if they've undertaken similar tasks as yours previously - it's worth asking for specifics here! This will help you determine whether or not your prospective contractor would be an ideal fit for your project.
3. CAN YOU PROVIDE A LIST OF PAST CLIENT REFERRALS?
Looking for feedback and recommendations to help choose a Seattle general contractor? No problem! The best starting point is listening to what their clients have said - seek out referrals, reviews, or testimonials from your potential contractors. Additionally, Angie's List, Houzz, as well as social media can be great resources when doing research on the company you're considering; just keep in mind that there are always two sides to every story - if there's something particularly concerning surfacing within those channels don't hesitate to ask the contractor about it directly.
4. WILL YOU TAKE CARE OF PERMITS?
Wondering if you need a permit for your home renovation? While it's not required in every instance, permits are necessary when making structural changes to your house. A great contractor will know which projects require them and even go the extra mile by handling all associated paperwork, such as building and electricity plans or special permits like fireplaces or decks. It may cost some time upfront, but getting the right permitting can save headaches further down the line.
5. WHAT IS YOUR SCHEDULE?
Ensuring that your Seattle general contractor exhibits appropriate diligence is essential to successful projects. That's why asking for a clear timeline of their schedule pays off - not only before the job begins but also throughout its completion. Developed milestones and timetables can help keep any project within the scope and on budget, so make sure they are part of every discussion with contractors you are considering hiring.
Want to ensure your next Seattle contracting project is a success? Knowing what questions to ask before you hire can make all the difference - and we hope you'll reach out to us before your next project! At Steven Ray Construction, we have a well-earned reputation for transforming Seattle homes into dream spaces! Connect with us today to discuss your project and learn more about how we can make it happen!