Choosing a remodeler
SEARCH & RESEARCH
Get referrals from friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and others who have had remodeling work done. Talk to independent trade contractors, building material suppliers, architects, engineers, home inspectors, and local lenders. Interview past and present customers and ask questions. For example:
• Would you hire this company again?
• Did the contractor maintain a neat work site?
• Did the crew show up on time?
• Were you pleased with their work style?
• Was your project completed on time and within the budget?
• Was the contractor available for questions and concerns?
Once you have identified strong candidates, call your local consumer affairs agency (Suffolk County 631.853.4600 or Nassau County 516.571.2600) and the Better Business Bureau (516.420.0500) to find out if there are any unresolved complaints filed against the contractor.
RED FLAGS
• You can't verify the contractor name, address, phone, or credentials.
• The contractor is not willing to offer references.
• You are asked to pay for the entire job in advance or only in cash.
• The contractor is too busy to return calls in a timely fashion.
• Today only discounts and high-pressure salespeople.
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