Are you looking for a contractor so you can either update your current home or remodel in order to sell your Northern Illinois home? If so, finding the right contractor is crucial. Locating the “right” contractor is about a lot more than just finding the cheapest price though. Here are a few things to look for when researching a contractor for your home improvement project:

  • Make sure your contractor is properly licensed. Keep in mind that even though a contractor has a license it doesn't automatically mean they will do a great job. It does however provide some financial protection for you as the customer. 
  • Make sure your contractor is properly insured. In addition to being licensed it is vital that your contractor have proper insurance. Always ask your contractor for a copy of their proof of liability insurance and bonding or the name and number of his/her insurance agent to call and verify proof of coverage.
  • Ask for references and check them! Talk to other clients that this contractor has done work for in the past. Ask them if they were happy with the quality of work, was the work completed on time? Also be sure to inquire as to if the work was completed by the agreed-upon schedule? Websites like Angie's List are very helpful in getting other clients' opinions.
  • Get two or three different written bids. As with any large project or purchase it is a good idea to do your research and shop around. Different contractors can vary widely on pricing and level of detail even when bidding for the same job. 

It’s not always the wisest decision to automatically go with the lowest bid. You need to take into consideration that the higher bid could possibly mean better materials, workmanship and reliability. You must ask yourself, do you trust this person to work on your North Shore home? Do you feel comfortable with them around you children and your valuables? Create a checklist of all these above items so that when it is time to interview your choices, you can make a better decision.

 

 

/kh