How to choose a contractorFew business transactions are more important than the one you make with a residential building contractor. Having a comfortable and well built home—as well as protecting a considerable financial investment—all rely on having a job well done.Start with a licensed contractor. We strongly recommend that you hire a contractor who is licensed by the state of Minnesota. By hiring a licensed contractor, you ensure that the company has met certain requirements, including having a principal of the company pass an appropriate examination and having liability and property damage insurance. A licensed contractor must also take a certain number of continuing education classes each year. Check on the license status of a contractor by calling the Department of Commerce at 651-296-2488, or statewide toll free at 1-800-657-3602. The Department can verify if the contractor has a license and also if there are any actions or sanctions on record. For the names of licensed builders in your area, you can call the local chapter of the Builders Association of Minnesota. Consider the kind of home or remodeling project you are planning, and make inquiries about the names of builders who specialize or have experience in that type of construction. Ask friends or neighbors who have undertaken similar projects, or ask building supply companies or others in the industry. Ask for references, and be sure to contact and ask former customers if they were satisfied with the quality of the work or if they encountered any problems. Ask the contractor how long he or she has been in business and where, and ask for a Minnesota business address other than a post office box. Also ask for a local phone number where the contractor can be reached during normal business hours.
What to look out forFollowing are some indications that the contractor may not be reliable.It is probably best to avoid working with a contractor who:
|