Dealing with the stress of a remodel on your home could be one of the most challenging experiences of your life. HGTV is now full of shows chronicling the experiences of homeowners and contractors. The escapades of these folks may be entertaining for TV viewers, but once the chaos enters your own home, you can’t just switch channels or fast forward to the ending. Having spent the majority of my life in the construction industry, I have seen my share of remodels gone bad. Or, I’ve inspected homes that boast a total remodel, only to discover poor workmanship and cost cutting measures that end up costing more than the original work to repair.

Hiring a Contractor for your Remodel

First and foremost, when hiring a contractor, make sure they are licensed and bonded. Licensure should be noted on business cards and or letterhead. If its not noted on the documents they give you, call the local contractors board and ask if they are licensed. You could also ask if there have been any complaints against them. Bonding would be through the local municipal authority. (If a contractor tells you that they don’t need to pull a permit for the work they are doing, chances are they may not be bonded.) Also, find out if they have Errors and Omission Insurance. This type of insurance protects you should there be damage to your personal property.

Remodel Inspections, an IILAG Service

One of the services we have begun to offer is a “Remodel Inspection.” The contractor is told up front that the work they are performing will be inspected. Once the inspection is satisfactory, they will receive the last draw on the project. The cost of the inspection is usually minimal and far less expensive than needed repair work on shoddy workmanship. I have found that if the contractor knows up front that an inspection will occur, they do better work, knowing a third party will evaluate before final payment is received. And just for the record, should a contractor balk at the idea of an inspection, you may want to consider interviewing another contractor.