QUESTIONS

Choosing the right  builder for your job is critical to the success of the project.  Here are a few questions you may want to ask before you make your decision about which builder is right for you.

Hire a licensed contractor!

• Licensed contractors are required to be bonded.
• Licensed contractors are responsible for injuries to their employees.  If you use an unlicensed contractor, you may be held responsible.
• Complaints may be filed against a licensed contractor for up to two years from the date of occupancy or discovery of the defect, whichever comes first, or from the date the work was last performed.  The Registrar of Contractors can revoke or discipline licensed contractors if they fail to perform corrective work.

Before you hire:

• Develop a list of  potential contractors
• Make sure they are licensed
• Check the contractor's complaint record
• Be cautious about using a contractor's bid that is substantially lower than the other bids.  It may indicate the contractor was not aware of all the work required or the contractor intends to use alternate building materials.

Check out the following issues:

• How long has the company been in business?
• Does the contractor have models, samples or a list of past projects as examples of their work for you to see which provides a standard of quality or workmanship proposed?  What construction methods, materials or techniques does the  contractor plan to use?
• Has the contractor been able to provide you with favorable references?  Have you checked the references?  Does the company have a good reputation?  Has the contractor provided you with a copy of the contract form that they use and you would be signing?  Have you read the proposed contract?
• Does the contractor have liability insurance?  Does the contractor have workers' compensation insurance?  Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance.
• has the contractor offered a written guarantee?
• Is the contractor pressuring you to sign up at once?
• Has the contractor given you a start date and an estimated completion date?
• Never sign anything you don't understand.
• Building permits may be required.  Contractors usually obtain the permits but, ultimately, the owner is responsible for them.  Make sure your contract specifies who will obtain any required permits.
• Ask for lien releases from the contractor for each subcontractor working on the project. If any supplier of materials, worker or subcontractor is not paid, a lien may be filed against your property to force you to pay.  You could pay twice for the same work. 
• Unless the job is small, payments should be made periodically as the construction progresses. Has the contractor given you a payment schedule?
• Get everything in writing, especially change orders to the original contract.
• Communicate with your contractor during the project.  Ask questions.  Make notes.
• Make your final payment only after the work has passed all inspections and you are satisfied the project is properly completed.

A. J. Borzillo, Inc. 3828 South Lindbergh St. Louis, MO 63127 (314) 842-2212