Resources

 

Are you contemplating starting a remodeling or repair project in your home or business?

We at S&R Remodeling have compiled a list of items that we hope will aid you in your search for a contractor. 

Materials

If the contractor you choose doesn't pay the suppliers for the materials used...the supplier can and will demand payment from you, the homeowner. You can make sure your contractor has a good credit history by contacting the supplier, or by contacting one of the "Better Business" organizations. 

References

Any contractor can provide you with five or ten references, but can they provide 20 or 30 references? Although it does take time to build up a good number of references, be sure to check out the references that are provided.

Warranties

Most small businesses fail within their first year of operation. Will your contractor be around once the work is done? To be sure they are, hire a contractor who has a proven reputation. Remember there are customer organizations who may also assist you in your choice.

Worker's Compensation Insurance

Make sure the contractor you choose carries Worker's Compensation Insurance. Any and all contractors must carry this insurance if they have employees working for them, on any project. 

Also, the contractor must make sure that all "sub-contractors" doing work for them on a project carry this insurance.

Better Business Bureau

http://wisconsin.bbb.org

Energy Center of Wisconsin

http://www.ecw.org/

Air Quality Report

Click here to view

Lead - Based Paint Information

http://www.ehw.org/Lead/UCS-CDCLead.htm

Lead Paint Safety Guide

Click here to view

Check out your Contractor

  • Ask for a list of references (not just 2 or 3)
  • Check them out on the Better Business Bureau
  • Find out how long a company has been in business
  • Ask for a list of similar projects the contractor has recently completed
  • Find out if your contractor is insured and carries all of the appropriated coverage

Learn More!

For even more tips visit: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro20.shtm

 

Construction Tips

Compare Apples to Apples in Construction Quotes

When getting quotes for a construction or remodeling project, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Ask all potential contractors to quote your remodeling project using the same construction materials as other contractors who are quoting. Not all building materials are the same - and some contractors use inferior products to slip in with the lowest bid.
--Get all remodeling contractors to create their quotes using specified construction materials

Ask for photos of past construction work

Ask potential contractors for images of completed construction or remodeling projects that you can see. Don't be afraid to ask to speak to past references. If it's possible, visit a complete remodeling or construction site where you can see the quality and craftsmanship first hand.
--View past construction jobs to verify the quality the contractor is offering - SR Remodeling Gallery