Tips for Avoiding Bad-News Home Improvement Contractors

It seems like news reports of home improvement scams and unscrupulous contractors keep mounting.  In light of the flurry of repairs needed with damage from the recent East Coast storms, the building trades have come under close scrutiny.  Despite the publicity, many homeowners continue to experience problems with building and remodeling contractors.  While no one can guarantee you a stress-free, perfect remodeling project, here are some tips that can help you choose the right contractor, and avoid the wrong one.

• Ask how long the company has been in business, and whether or not they have trade affiliations and manufacturer certifications.  Don’t be afraid to ask for proof – a good contractor is proud of his or her reputation and will be happy to back it up.
• Licenses are required for general building contractors working on residences in the State of Minnesota.  Ask for proof of current license.  You can verify this with the MN Department of Labor & Industry.
• Request proof of insurance, including worker’s compensation coverage.  If the contractor does not have a worker’s comp policy, you could be on the line for any employee injuries which occur on your property.
• Find out who will oversee the job.  If it’s not the person handling the estimate for your project, ask for a meeting with that person as well.  You want to be comfortable with the individual you’ll have the most direct contact with.
• Get an estimate of the man-hours your project will require, and find out if the contractor has any other jobs going at the same time.  A vague answer could indicate possible problems.
• Reputable contractors know that projects may exceed the original estimate.  Sometimes remodeling uncovers undetected problems that need to be corrected.  Ask how unanticipated increases are handled.  Any changes in cost should be discussed prior to the additional work being done, and these should be covered by a written change order or a contract addendum.  Don’t be afraid to ask how many of the contractor’s last 10 projects came in over budget.

Home improvement projects don’t have to be a headache.  At Window Outfitters we specialize in happy customers – just check our list of testimonials.  We’re certified by the manufacturers of many products we install, and we’re licensed and insured.  If we can answer any exterior home remodeling questions, please call us.  We provide a number of exterior home remodeling services for the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.