How long have you been in business?
Look for a company with an established business history in your community. Surviving in any business in today’s competitive marketplace is a difficult task. 9 out of 10 contractors fail in the first 5...
View ArticleAre you licensed?
Most states require contractors, even sub-contractors to be licensed. Make sure your contractor is properly licensed. Anyone can say they are licensed. Make the contractor prove it by either showing...
View ArticleWho will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?
Make sure the contractor or his foreman is on the job whenever work is being performed-especially if sub-contractors will be used. The responsible party must be familiar with every aspect of your...
View ArticleWhat is the time frame for starting the project?
Now is the time to ask questions about work schedules. You should ask: What is your estimate for completion? How early will your crew normally begin work? When will they normally quit for the day? Will...
View ArticleWhat is your approach to a project of this scope?
This will give you an idea of how the contractor works and what to expect during the project. Listen carefully to the answer. This is one of the big indicators of the company’s work ethic.
View ArticleHow do you operate?
In other words, how is your firm organized? Do you have employees or do you hire subcontractors? If you do have employees, what are their job descriptions? Do you use a project supervisor or lead...
View ArticleWhat happens if I change my mind about something?
This is an important one….. Details on paper may alter once they take shape in the physical world. A reliable builder uses written change orders to manage the process. This form goes over the initial...
View ArticleIs your company a full service or specialty firm?
If you are planning a small project, say replacing the bathroom plumbing, or updating lighting, you may be better off hiring a specialty plumbing or electrical firm. However, if your project involves...
View ArticleDo you have design services available?
If you are considering a large or involved project, you will need design services. If the contractor does not have design-build capabilities, you should consider hiring an architect. Has he worked with...
View ArticleDoes your company carry general liability and workers compensation insurance?
Make sure your contractor carries general liability insurance. This type of insurance protects your property in case of damage caused by the contractor and/or his employees. The insurance company will...
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Are you a member of NARI or NAHB?
NARI stands for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and NAHB stands for the National Association of Home Builders. It’s always a good idea to consider hiring a NARI or NAHB contractor....
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Are you or any of your company’s employees certified?
Trade certifications are good indicators of dedication, professionalism and knowledge of the industry. Remodelers are required to meet certain industry criteria to maintain their certifications. NARI...
View ArticleMay I have a list of references for projects you have completed which are...
The contractor should be able to supply you with a minimum of three references, including names, telephone numbers and addresses. As a follow up to this question, ask how long ago the project was...
View ArticleWhat percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
This will give you a good indication about the company’s customer satisfaction. According to research conducted by NARI, most remodeling businesses attribute over 50 percent of their annual volume to...
View ArticleHow many projects like mine have you completed in the past 12 months?
This will help you determine the contractor’s familiarity with your type of project. You should confirm that a good portion...Read More
View ArticleWill we need a building permit for this project?
Most cities and towns require permits for building projects. Failure to obtain the necessary permits or to arrange obligatory inspections can be illegal. In some cases, if a project violates a zoning...
View ArticleDo you guarantee your work will meet up to standards?
Check to see if the contractor is willing to take care of any problems associated with the project that may crop up in the next few months. If he considers the project done after the final inspection,...
View ArticleHow do you handle “dirty work”?
Construction is dusty and dirty! It gets everywhere, especially if any sanding is being done. Make sure the contractor will make an honest effort to keep the dust contained, or notify you when the...
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“The Workmanship and Professionalism is Outstanding”
Kitchen Renovation Rockville, MD “Houseworks Unlimited completed several projects in my home over the past several years. The workmanship and professionalism is outstanding. They completed the project...
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HOUSEWORKS UNLIMITED CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
Media Contact: Craig Knott, CR President Houseworks Unlimited, Inc. Telephone: 301-831-5178 E-mail:craig@houseworksunlimited.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HOUSEWORKS UNLIMITED CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF RICH...
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Home Improvement Surplus Sale
NARI of MID-MARYLAND is proud to announce its 2nd Annual Home Improvement Surplus Sale *Incredible deals on items donated by NARI Members* • Appliances • Awnings • Bathroom & Ceiling Tiles •...
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Getting Your Home Ready for Winter
Cold weathers coming. You can count on it. Here are some tips to help get your home ready for the onslaught of winter weather. Drain and take your garden hoses inside. Take any nozzles off of the...
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What Do Home Renovators Do?
“Home improvement” or renovation refers to projects that alter or improve an existing home, and also includes improvements to lawns, gardens, and outdoor structures, such as gazebos and garages. Home...
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Total Renovation
Most people think of “Home Renovation” as primarily knocking out walls and adding more space. Of course, that may be the main idea; but once that is done, will the furniture and décor fit with the new...
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Historic Home Renovation
Historic homes provide a visible link to the history of a town and the nation, and also serve as a lesson on how people lived and the worked. Older and historical homes can be found in urban as well...
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The Renovation Contract
A written contract defines the agreement between you and your renovation contractor, ensuring that you both are in agreement about the work to be done, the terms of the agreement and outlines the...
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What To Expect During Your Renovation
The 1948 Film “Mr. Blanding’s Builds His Dream House” is a humorous portrayal of what can happen during a renovation. Essentially, “If anything can go wrong, it will.” But renovation and remodeling...
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Making Your Small Home Larger
Small homes provide a more intimate living space that larger homes can’t always provide; bigger doesn’t always mean better. The tradeoff is, of course, less space to put things in; which can create a...
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