Before Renovation: Three Questions to Ask the Contractor
A thoughtful vetting process makes all the difference.
Renovations give homeowners the chance to bring new vision to their property and increase the value of the home. It can be a positive and meaningful experience—particularly when there is a dedicated and communicative team in place. Finding the right contractor usually includes reviewing everything from their track record and credentials to communication style and proof of insurance. Here, we speak with Berkley One Personal Lines Risk Management Consultant Lisa Barnes and Berkley One Property Claims Supervisor John McDaniel about three key questions to ask contactors before the work begins.
1. Can you share referrals and examples of your work?
It’s important to invest time and energy into finding the right contractor for a renovation project.
“Homeowners can take the steps to confirm how long a contractor has been in their field of work, and how they navigate things like change orders and warranties,” says Barnes.
Referrals are helpful, too. “It’s a chance to talk with someone to learn more about how the contractor stays on schedule, and what happens if there are any significant changes to plans or costs along the way.” Barnes notes that social media can also be a great resource, giving homeowners a chance to review a contractor’s online presence. “Homeowners can use social media to obtain references indirectly, and to see how the contractor is communicating with their clients.”
These can be steps to help determine if the contractor is someone with strong communication skills and someone with whom you feel comfortable. “Things come up during renovations, and the homeowner will be looking for someone they trust, who is a good communicator, and with whom they can navigate the ups and downs of a project,” says McDaniel.
“Some homeowners think of the house as a kid, and the contractor as the babysitter—who is the right person for the job?”
2. Can you show proof of insurance and proper licensing?
It’s important to verify the contractor’s insurance, and the best way to do so is to inquire directly with them.
“Ask them for proof of insurance, talk with them about their insurance and liability limits, and see whether they’re comfortable speaking about these topics,” says Barnes.
While some projects will require licensing and permits, other projects may not. Homeowners can confirm they’re meeting proper requirements by contacting their local building permits department or municipality. If a project does not require certain licensing and the vetting from a municipality, homeowners can look to the Better Business Bureau to help round out their research.
Insurance and licensing is also relevant to subcontractors. “For projects involving different specialties, including flooring, drywall, and paint, a general contractor may use different companies for each and subcontract out the work,” says McDaniel. “The contractor can share the insurance and workers’ compensation coverage for the various teams visiting a work site.”
3. What is the project timeline, and how often will I receive updates?
An initial project timeline helps give homeowners an understanding of when they can expect completion of the renovation—and how the contractor would communicate project delays and issues as they arise.
“Timelines are important because they impact how much time may be needed for site security, management, and maintenance,” says Barnes. “Sometimes a delay may indicate something going wrong on the site, and sometimes it’s just a matter of permits dragging or changes in the scope of the project.” These details can impact risk to the site in a variety of ways, including theft, vandalism, structural issues, or weather.
“It could be a hailstorm or snowstorm for which contractors aren’t prepared, which could damage the site and materials,” says Barnes.
This could be a particular concern for renovations on second homes, when homeowners may not be onsite to have in-person communication with contractors or the chance to gauge project progress. It is even more reason to find a contractor from the beginning who is proactive in communication and troubleshooting, and who can confirm reliable onsite contact information.
About Berkley One
Berkley One is an insurance provider for modern, sophisticated individuals and families. We’re redefining insurance with technology, innovation, expertise and the backing of Berkley, one of the nation’s premier insurance providers. Offering customized options for homes, automobiles, fine art, collectibles, liability, recreational marine and collector vehicles, we give clients the confidence to move forward and live their adventure.
