Ensuring a Successful Remodeling Project

Choosing your contractor is perhaps the most critical decision to ensuring a successful remodeling project. The following steps should be considered in addition to feeling a comfort level with the company. All home improvement contractors must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.

Call the Better Business Bureau and the Maryland Home Improvement Commission to see if there are any unresolved complaints against the company.

Be certain your contractor carries liability and worker's compensation insurance, otherwise you may be liable for injury or damages. Insurance companies will issue a certificate, at your request, as proof of coverage.

Obtain a list of references, both past and recent, and take the time to call them. Most people are happy to talk about their experience.

Check to see if the contractor is a member of any trade association that represents commitment to the industry and generally includes a credit and reference check.

Look for along track record, the failure rate in this industry is 95 percent in the first five years.

Has the contractor completed like-kind projects?

Check to see how the company is structured. Who will you be working with on a daily basis?

If possible, view some of the contractor's past work to check the quality. (This may not always be possible).

Check the warranty given by the contractor (the law is one year).

Notice that "look for the lowest price" isn't listed. The old adage "you get what you pay for" also applies to remodeling services.