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| How to Find a (Good) Contractor |
Steel City has been in business since 1948, has thousands of happy customers, tons of referrals, and customer
service is a priority. However, knowing all that doesn't help you if you've stumbled across our website and you're
outside our service area of Northwest Indiana. For all of those who need to find a qualified professional
Contractor outside of our service area, here are some tips for finding a good one:
1. Get a Contract. Too many people don't get anything in writing and then, when the Contractor disappears with
their money and nothing has been started, the homeowner is stuck. No matter who they are or what they tell you,
get it in writing!
The Contract should include the Scope of the work, detailed to eliminate misunderstandings. Ask questions and
have the important answers and details put in writing. The Contract should include the materials being used
including brand names, model numbers, colors, sizes, etc. The Contract should include any drawings or layouts,
a payment schedule, and start and finish dates. It should be signed by the Contractor AND you, and you should
get a copy of it for your records.
2. Quality Standards. Does the Contractor have a written set of Quality Standards? If not, beware. Quality
issues can result in heartaches and headaches for homeowners. Building codes don't cover a "quality of work"
issue. A well-written Quality Standards policy is your best bet in protecting yourself and it eliminates the
difference of opinion aspect.
3. Contractor Employees. Are workers full-time employees? How long have they been there? Does the
Contractor utilize a lot of sub-contractors? With time often comes knowledge. Would you rather have a worker
who has been with the Contractor for 6 months or 6 years? Ask what the turnaround time is. Also, Contractors
can't control sub-contractors because they are their own company. Find out if subs will be used on your job. Do
you feel comfortable with sub-contractors?
4. Job Site Security and Safety Plan. Safety is important, not just for the workers but for your property as well.
Make sure you put it in writing that your prized azalea bushes are not to be stepped on or driven over. It is
important to be reasonable when work is being done, but precautions should be made to protect your
investments too.
5. Change Orders. Change Orders should be used to correct unforeseen problems or if the homeowner wishes
to add to the job. Change Orders should be in writing and the homeowner should sign and receive a copy
BEFORE the additional work is to be done. Pre-construction meetings should be onsite with a Job Foreman and
all homeowners to avoid misunderstandings and avoid any delays.
6. Payment Schedules. Before the job starts, get the Terms of the Contract in writing. Work out deposit
amounts, when and how much any progress payments will be, and how the final payment will be set up.
7. Clean Up and Dust Protection. A Contractor should provide dust protection to help keep dust at a minimum.
Also, make sure that the clean up of the debris is included in your Contract. Both of these items should be listed
in writing on your Contract.
8. Job Site Usage and Utilities. How will your materials be stored on the job? What are the bathroom
arrangements for the workers? Will they be using your water or electricity for their tools? These are all questions
you may want to ask the Contractor.
9. Warranties. What kind of warranty is included for the labor portion of your job? Make sure that you receive
the warranty paperwork for your installed items.
10. Choose a LICENSED and BONDED Contractor. Make sure the Contractor will obtain the permits and
inspections that are required. This should also be included in writing in the Contract.
11.Insurance. Make sure the Contractor has adequate General Liability insurance and Worker's Compensation
insurance. If not, YOU COULD BE LIABLE for any injuries on your property!
11. References. Check your local Better Business Bureau, local Building Departments, the Building Association,
and make sure the Contractor is Licensed in your town or city. Ask your Contractor for references from previous
customers. Check the internet to see if there are any negative reports about them. You'd be surprised what you
can find out by just typing in the name of the Contractor in Google Search. Also, the website Angie's List can be a
great source for checking out local businesses, since they do not allow businesses to advertise if they do not
have an excellent rating. (Just a note that you do have to subscribe to Angie's List in order to find Contractors.
Check the website for subscription rates.)
12. How long in Business? 50% of Contractors don't make it to their first year. 90% don't make it to five years!
Ask how long a company has been in business. Beware of new companies. Don't just get the names of customer
references... make sure you contact them too. Know how and where to contact the Contractor. Does he have a
physical place of business or does he just operate from a cell phone?
13. Lastly, Be Prepared. Remodeling isn't just a financial investment;it can wear on you emotionally. You will
lose your privacy during construction. There is noise and dust, and it can drive you crazy! Stay focused and
remember the inconvenience will be worth it, especially if you've done your homework.
service is a priority. However, knowing all that doesn't help you if you've stumbled across our website and you're
outside our service area of Northwest Indiana. For all of those who need to find a qualified professional
Contractor outside of our service area, here are some tips for finding a good one:
1. Get a Contract. Too many people don't get anything in writing and then, when the Contractor disappears with
their money and nothing has been started, the homeowner is stuck. No matter who they are or what they tell you,
get it in writing!
The Contract should include the Scope of the work, detailed to eliminate misunderstandings. Ask questions and
have the important answers and details put in writing. The Contract should include the materials being used
including brand names, model numbers, colors, sizes, etc. The Contract should include any drawings or layouts,
a payment schedule, and start and finish dates. It should be signed by the Contractor AND you, and you should
get a copy of it for your records.
2. Quality Standards. Does the Contractor have a written set of Quality Standards? If not, beware. Quality
issues can result in heartaches and headaches for homeowners. Building codes don't cover a "quality of work"
issue. A well-written Quality Standards policy is your best bet in protecting yourself and it eliminates the
difference of opinion aspect.
3. Contractor Employees. Are workers full-time employees? How long have they been there? Does the
Contractor utilize a lot of sub-contractors? With time often comes knowledge. Would you rather have a worker
who has been with the Contractor for 6 months or 6 years? Ask what the turnaround time is. Also, Contractors
can't control sub-contractors because they are their own company. Find out if subs will be used on your job. Do
you feel comfortable with sub-contractors?
4. Job Site Security and Safety Plan. Safety is important, not just for the workers but for your property as well.
Make sure you put it in writing that your prized azalea bushes are not to be stepped on or driven over. It is
important to be reasonable when work is being done, but precautions should be made to protect your
investments too.
5. Change Orders. Change Orders should be used to correct unforeseen problems or if the homeowner wishes
to add to the job. Change Orders should be in writing and the homeowner should sign and receive a copy
BEFORE the additional work is to be done. Pre-construction meetings should be onsite with a Job Foreman and
all homeowners to avoid misunderstandings and avoid any delays.
6. Payment Schedules. Before the job starts, get the Terms of the Contract in writing. Work out deposit
amounts, when and how much any progress payments will be, and how the final payment will be set up.
7. Clean Up and Dust Protection. A Contractor should provide dust protection to help keep dust at a minimum.
Also, make sure that the clean up of the debris is included in your Contract. Both of these items should be listed
in writing on your Contract.
8. Job Site Usage and Utilities. How will your materials be stored on the job? What are the bathroom
arrangements for the workers? Will they be using your water or electricity for their tools? These are all questions
you may want to ask the Contractor.
9. Warranties. What kind of warranty is included for the labor portion of your job? Make sure that you receive
the warranty paperwork for your installed items.
10. Choose a LICENSED and BONDED Contractor. Make sure the Contractor will obtain the permits and
inspections that are required. This should also be included in writing in the Contract.
11.Insurance. Make sure the Contractor has adequate General Liability insurance and Worker's Compensation
insurance. If not, YOU COULD BE LIABLE for any injuries on your property!
11. References. Check your local Better Business Bureau, local Building Departments, the Building Association,
and make sure the Contractor is Licensed in your town or city. Ask your Contractor for references from previous
customers. Check the internet to see if there are any negative reports about them. You'd be surprised what you
can find out by just typing in the name of the Contractor in Google Search. Also, the website Angie's List can be a
great source for checking out local businesses, since they do not allow businesses to advertise if they do not
have an excellent rating. (Just a note that you do have to subscribe to Angie's List in order to find Contractors.
Check the website for subscription rates.)
12. How long in Business? 50% of Contractors don't make it to their first year. 90% don't make it to five years!
Ask how long a company has been in business. Beware of new companies. Don't just get the names of customer
references... make sure you contact them too. Know how and where to contact the Contractor. Does he have a
physical place of business or does he just operate from a cell phone?
13. Lastly, Be Prepared. Remodeling isn't just a financial investment;it can wear on you emotionally. You will
lose your privacy during construction. There is noise and dust, and it can drive you crazy! Stay focused and
remember the inconvenience will be worth it, especially if you've done your homework.
 |
Check our Reviews on Angie's List |
| 219-769-3002 |
