- Take your time hiring a contractor, but do not wait to address
water damage (such as removing carpet and sheetrock, so that mold
does not accumulate-just be sure to photograph everything for
insurance and FEMA claims first).
- Ask friends and family for referrals.
- Check the Better Business Bureau and other resources in your
area to verify that they are licensed and don't have poor
reviews.
- Ask for references, both written letters and phone numbers of
satisfied customers that you can call and speak with yourself to
verify they are trustworthy.
- Get more than one bid on the work you need done.
- Always get any bid in writing.
- Ask about the warranties offered and get any warranties in
writing.
- Hire a local contractor or professional.
- Hire a contractor that is bonded and insured and
licensed/registered to perform work in your city.
- Ask for copies of the contractor's general liability insurance
declarations page and keep a copy for your records.
- Ask for a copy of the contractor's bond, if one is required by
your city.
- Check with the appropriate department in your city to determine
whether the contractor is registered to perform work in your city
(if required).
- Contact your city and determine whether a permit is required
for the work that is being done at your home.
- Make sure that your contractor obtains a local building permit,
if required, for the specific work being done.
- Ask for a copy of the permit if one is required to perform the
work in your city.
- Get bids, contracts, and repair plans in writing and keep
copies for at least two years after the repairs are concluded.
- Ask the contractor to provide a lien waiver for subcontractors
before starting the job if they plan to use subcontractors.
- With a lien waiver the contractor will remain responsible for
paying their subcontractor, and the subcontractor will not be able
to sustain a lien on your home to be paid by a contractor who fails
to pay them.
- Establish a timeline for the repairs, in writing.