Choosing a Contractor

According to Remodeling Magazine, over 80% of customers are not satisfied with their remodeling contractor.   Additionally, one out of every four contractors goes out of business each year.   We believe the largest reasons are that:

• Many contractors make it difficult for customers to compare bids on an apples to apples basis through the use of misleading pricing techniques
• Many contractors underbid jobs and subsequently ask for more money to complete the work or perform substandard work to stay within budget
• Many contractors do not pull building permits and are not held accountable to building code
• Many Contractors do not pay their Subcontractors, resulting in the customer being liable for liens against their property – typically not known until a Title search is performed during the sale of the home.
• Customers are not made aware that not all basements are the same and that price should not be the only factor considered in making such a large decision
• Many Contractors do not finish projects on time – customers are forced to project manage their general contractor
• Many Contractors are not responsive - multiple un-returned phone calls leads to frustration

Questions to ask any Contractor before signing a contract (click here to print the list below):

1. Are you a member of NARI & subscribe to the organization’s Code of Ethics?
2. Have you been awarded or recognized for your projects, quality of design & product?
3. Are your employees trained & experienced in customer service and construction?
4. Will you provide you with a complete list of all past clients including current clients?
5. Do you have a General Contractor’s license in this city as well as Liability Insurance & Worker’s Compensation insurance?
6. Do you provide formal design services, including 10 hours with a certified Interior Designer, to design my new space?
7. Does your office have modern technology including computers, email, digital cameras, PDA’s & CAD programs, etc.?
8. Do you do 3D digital walkthrough before construction so we can visualize the space?
9. Do you spell out what IS included and NOT included in the contract?
10. Do you conduct formal walkthroughs at critical stages of the project?
11. Do you use preferred subcontractors & suppliers?
12. Does your company require all Change Orders be in writing and approved?
13. Will you establish a secure process for letting in subcontractors?
14. Will your crews keep the job site clean as an integral part of the workday?
15. Will there be a company representative on my job daily to check on subcontractors?
16. Do you offer a 2-Year "Bumper-to-Bumper" Warranty & 5-Year Limited Warranty on work & products?
17. Is a written schedule created, making it possible for the work to be completed on time?

Basement Partners, Inc. can answer all of the above questions AFFIRMATIVELY!