Checking Contractor References

References

Always ask for references.  Talk with some of the contractor’s former customers.  They can help you decide if a particular contractor is right for you.  You may want to ask:

• Can I visit your home to see the completed job?


• Were you satisfied with the project? Was it completed on time?


• Did the contractor keep you informed about the status of the project, and any problems along the way?


• Were there unexpected costs? If so, what were they?


• Did workers show up on time? Did they clean up after finishing the job?


• Would you recommend the contractor?


• Would you use the contractor again?



You will want to see the work the contractor has done and speak with references.  A bit of caution is still needed here since the contractor is only going to send you to their happy customers.  Your best bet is to check with the local county court house for complaints or the local Better Business Bureau. 

You can always visit a local home improvement center and ask for a reference to a good contractor.  Some home improvement centers actually have contractors on call or collect business cards form independent contractors that patronize their stores.