You have probably been dreaming about a new kitchen or bath for quite a while.

I understand that you may be a bit anxious especially if you read about some of the companies that have given our industry a black eye.

Asking the right questions and requiring that each contractor provide their answers in writing will help you weed out those contractors that don’t have the experience or that don’t have the best reputation.

The following information is provided to assist homeowner’s in choosing a remodeling contractor in the Farmington River Valley and surrounding areas for an Addition, Kitchen / Bath Remodel or to Expand Your Living Space.

I have been in the business for 37 years and these are the most common questions I have been asked.

I will be happy to provide you with a complete copy of our consumer guide and step-by-step installation processes once we schedule our first meeting so you will have our answers in writing.

Here are 3 areas we recommend you consider in evaluating every general or remodeling contractor you talk to:

1. Reputation and Financial Condition of the Company
2. Experience and Operations
3. Service Record

A Simple Way to Avoid Becoming Another Home Remodeling Horror Story

These questions will provide you with significant information about the contractor’s reputation, policies, procedures and experience.

For each area simply ask the questions and ask the general or remodeling contractor to provide the written evidence to support their answers.

Reputation and Financial Condition of the General or Remodeling Company

1. Are you registered with the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Board as a home improvement contractor and will you provide us with your license?
2. Will you disclose all legal entities that they have been an owner, shareholder or partner in, that has been a home improvement contractor? (This State of Connecticut requirement is for the previous 5 years.)
3. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy for this or any other company that you were an owner, shareholder or partner in?
4. Will you supply a copy of your current insurance certificate?
5. Will you provide us with your Lead Safe Work Practices certification? (This is a requirement for homes build prior to 1978)
6. Will you provide me with a current customer reference list with at least 10 names?
7. Will you provide me with reference letters from your suppliers and your bank?
8. Do you belong to a professional association for the remodeling industry?

Experience and Operations

9. Do you provide a price guarantee?
10. What detail do you normally include in your proposals?
11. Who will supervise my project on a daily basis?
12. What methods do you use to maintain quality?
13. Do you have a written policy regarding drug and alcohol use?

Service Before, During and After the Project

14. How long is your warranty?
15. Have you ever repaired a project after the warranty expired?
16. What is your company phone policy?
17. How often will you meet with me during the project?

 Quality contractors will be able to answer these questions in writing.

Contractors that balk or ones that aren’t willing to provide their answers in writing should be avoided.

If you want to do a much needed bathroom or kitchen makeover, adding a master bedroom suite or just making your living space more livable we have the experience to complete your project on time and on budget.