Finding a contractor you can trust can be challenging to do if you have never worked with them before. Many contractors claim to be the best, so how can you really know that a basement contractor you are considering for your project is a good choice? The key is knowing what questions to ask a contractor to determine whether they can actually deliver what they promise.

Here are some top questions you should ask your basement renovation contractor before hiring them.

1. How Long Have You Been in Business?

The answer to this question can give you some insight on just how much experience a basement finishing contractor has. Hiring someone who has been in business for some time can give you peace of mind knowing that they are experienced, and the fact that they have stayed in business speaks to their professionalism and overall expertise. This also means that they have worked on a variety of projects so nothing can catch them off guard.

2. Are You Licensed?

You want to make sure that the basement remodel contractor you hire is licensed, this way, you can be protected as a homeowner in the event that something goes wrong with the project. Typically, insurance companies will not cover any damage if the contractor is not licensed.

3. Are You Insured?

Accidents happen. If the contractor gets injured while working on your project, you want to be assured that they have insurance to cover any injury or damage. In addition to knowing whether your contract is insured, you should ask how much the contractor is insured for and request to see copies of their insurance certificates to ensure that they are current.

4. Do You Have a Showroom?

If the company has a showroom, this usually indicates that they have been in business for some time, and since they have invested time and resources into creating a showroom, this means they are intentional about being around for the long-haul. However, this does not guarantee a pleasant experience with the company. If a potential contractor has a showroom, ask to visit it and take advantage of this opportunity to interact with their staff. This can give you an impression of the company.

5. Do You Offer a Warranty?

This is another key question to ask a contractor. Anytime you have work done on your property, you want to have faith in the quality of work. Warranties are a great way to give you that assurance. What you don’t want is “taillight warranty,” which simply means that as soon as a contractor drives off your property, their obligation to you and the project is complete. This is not what you want. You want a warranty that lasts long after the project is done. Be sure that your contractor gives you a written copy of the warranty.

6. Can I Call References?

7. Can I Go Visit Some of Your Past or Current Jobs?

This request may not be something that a potential contractor may be able to fulfill, but it is worth it to ask. Being able to physically visit a current or past job can help you get close and personal with their work. While it is possible for you to see pictures of projects, being at the site of construction allows you to see certain details that a camera may not pick up.

8. When Will You Start?

Knowing when your contractor intends to start construction is good to know and helps you determine a number of things. First, it gives you an idea of how busy your contractor is. If they’re working on other projects then they may not be as available to begin your project within your timeline. This is important to know because while your contractor may be a good fit, if they are unavailable for the next 6 to 9 months, this can throw your plans off and you may need to go with another choice.

9. When Will You Finish?

Although this can be difficult to determine upfront, your contractor should be able to give you a rough timeline on when they expect the project to be completed. This is a sign that the contractor is well organized and can deliver results on time. Keep in mind that there may be unexpected delays with the project, however, a professional contractor will be able to resolve the issue quickly and continue with the project with as little inconvenience as possible.

10. Do You Offer Financing?

This is a very helpful option for many homeowners. Renovation projects are expensive and being able to make payments over a specified amount of time can help alleviate some of the financial strain a project may place on the homeowner.

11. Do You Do All the Work Yourself or Hire Subcontractors?

Since contractors working on a project are going to be in and out of your home throughout the duration of the project, you want to have an idea of the number of people who will be accessing your home. Asking whether your contractor will be using subcontractors to complete some of the work or relying on an in-house team is essential to know. If the contract will be using subcontractors, you may want to ask them how they intend to oversee the project to make sure everyone is doing their job correctly.

12. Will You Be Pulling the Permits?

Permits are required for major renovation projects and need to be acquired before any construction can begin. You’ll want to ask your contractor about whether they will be taking on that responsibility. During construction, a building inspector will come and check on the progress of the project at each stage to ensure that the work is being done according to code.

13. Will I Be Getting a Detailed Drawing?

This is ideal to have because it reduces the possibility of surprises. You want to know exactly what your finished project will look like beforehand and a detailed drawing can give you just that. This will also ensure that you are on the same page with your contractor and that every detail about the project has been discussed before construction begins.

14. Do You Have a Designer to Help Me with My Selections?

Most companies have designers they work with to help make selections about the layout and look of the new space. This is particularly important because many homeowners have a rough idea of what they want, but do not know what design options are available or how best to design the room. Designers have a knack for creating beautiful spaces and having some guidance in this aspect is definitely a plus.

15. What Are the Major Energy Saving Features of Basements You Finish?

Many homeowners want to create a home that is as energy efficient as possible. This translates to low energy bills and can go a long way in lowering your household costs. Ask your contractor about ways to make your basement energy efficient.

16. Do You Provide a Final Cleaning?

Construction is messy, and at the end of a project there is a lot of debris and dust left behind. You need to know whether your contractor will conduct a final cleaning of the new space or whether that is something that will be your responsibility.

There are many concerns that come up with renovation projects. But knowing the answers to the questions above can help limit headaches along the way. Moose Basements are experts at basement renovations and we are happy to answer any questions you may have about your basement project. Contact us Today!