One of the most important decisions you'll have to make when remodeling or adding on to your home is finding the right contractor for your job. After all, you're putting a whole lot of trust into one person by giving them a lot of money and letting them and their crew in your home. You also expect them to deliver solid and satisfactory results without major confrontations. With that in mind, our real estate agents have compiled five questions to ask potential contractors that can help you find the best fit for your project.

1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
   A resounding yes is the answer you want to hear in response to this question. A license shows you that the contractor is qualified for the job you're looking to have completed and keeps up to speed on code changes and best practices. Having a surety bond is a security that if the contractor does not complete the job, you're protected by the surety company. The contractor should have general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance to protect you from liability if something in your home is damaged or someone is injured while working on your property. Don't just take their word for it; ask for copies to ensure the contractor is current on credentials. If they can't provide papers, that should raise a red flag.
   
   
2. Can You Provide a List of References?
   Asking for references is another method for assuring a contractor can get the job done but don't settle just because they can produce a customer list. Take the extra step and call. Ask previous clients what they liked or didn't like about working with the contractor, how easy or hard it was to get hold of them, and how happy they were with the results.
   
   
3. What is the Payment and Daily Work Schedule?
   This question is meant to help you give a broader picture of how the project will go if you hire the contractor. The unexpected happens during renovations, but you want to be given a start date and an approximate completion date. If you want the job done by a certain date, you need to know if that's doable. A professional contractor will let you know issues that could cause a delay. Also, be sure to ask for an itemized estimate for the project to have a clear picture of what your money will be going toward. Be wary of contractors who give significantly lower quotes than the rest or those who ask for the full price upfront.
   
   
4. How Will Additional Changes Be Dealt With?
   Even the most thoroughly thought out home improvement projects can be unpredictable at times. The crew could stumble upon an unexpected structural problem that needs to be addressed. This could affect the initial estimated price and schedule. In some cases, you may want to update the plans and have something done in a slightly different manner. In that case, it's helpful to have a change order. This is a written extension to the original contract, which details the scope of work and price. Both you and the contractor should sign off the document.
   
   
5. Will You Pull the Permit
   If your project requires a permit, the contractor should obtain it. A permit is meant to ensure the work meets building codes upon review by a building inspector. The person named on the permit bears the responsibility of ensuring the job is properly done and up to code. If you're the homeowner and you pull your own permit, the responsibilities are placed on you. Be wary if a contractor is encouraging you to obtain the permit. Many legal things could fall on your shoulders.

There are many other questions you can ask potential contractors based on your personal situation. At the end of the day, you want a contractor who can be honest, respect your property, treat you fairly, and complete the job on time, within budget, and to your satisfaction. Are you interested in selling or buying Atlanta homes for sale? Our team can help you get the journey started. Contact us today.