Anyone have contractor recommendations for Jodi?

Someone good, thorough and reliable..

Thanks!

Unique Home Designs

They are the ones building my house, and they came higly recommended, and do great work, and work fast. They don't leave your house sitting for weeks on end, like other guys do.

My neighbor started to put an upstairs on thier house a month before my entire house got built, and so much more has been done on my house then on theirs.

I have had my minor problems with them, but if you get everything inwriting from them first, and keep on them, they have ben great to work with.+

Thanks Everyone especially Marcella. It was sweet of you to post this!

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Posted by JodiJohn903

Thanks Everyone especially Marcella. It was sweet of you to post this!

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Are you kidding!! I WISH my house was paid off and I just closed in November!

Don't be afraid to do construction.. I'd be more afraid to buy something and THEN do construction for not knowing what I'm getting myself into! lol

Thanks!

Marcella - my former fiance bought my house & paid cash (with $ he got when he sold his fathers house and borrowed a little from the stocks) however he passed away 3 years later & the the house is 100% mine.

JODI!!!!

I just saw that you are in HUNTINGTON!!! My mom is in Greenlawn and her neighbor is a contractor!! He does BEAUTIFUL GORGEOUS WORK!!!


Hes done everything for her from crown molding to adding on a 3-seasons room - but I think he is a bit pricey (although my moms a bit cheap too...so I guess it depends on whos telling the story)...but does superb work

I don't know his #...maybe I can find it online...but his name is Jeff...and his co is called Northgate, inc... something like that...thats the street he lives on...


I think he used to be a contractor from HD...

when I find the # or if you do...you can tell him Madeline's daughter recommended him

I will look up the company but if you get the # please FM it to me!

Thanks Erica!

here it is!!!


I have to laugh to...my parents porch is on the website - and a blurb from my mom!!!! she calls it the Adirondack Room - shes so cooky!!! http://www.northgatehomeservices.com/porch.html

Check with the BBB, to make sure there are no complaints agianst them.

How long they ahve been in business, since alot of people keep changing names, and starting over again.

How long it will take to finish.

A list of references. so you can call and find out form others how their work is.

Do they stay at your house until job is done, or do they come once a week.

What types of problems could they encounter since it is a remodel. (you never know what they will find when they open up the room)

Make sure you find out allowances on everything they are giving you, ie a new bathroom, how much are they giving you for the toilet, tub, etc. ( I found it better that I went and got my own stuff, and they credited me for the allowances ofr the bathroom.)

I used Cambridge construction for a full dormer and was really happy with them
if you want I can FM you pics
we interviewed them all, Larsen, Noah, etc... and found this one to be the best in price and reliability and they do beautiful work

from a google search:

How long have you been in business?
Look for a company with an established business history in your community. Surviving in any business in today's competitive marketplace is a difficult task. Most successful contractors are proud of their history in the industry.

Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?
Also ask whom you should contact if the supervisor is not available. Get exact names and contact phone numbers for all persons who will be involved in the project.


What is the time frame for starting the project?
Now is the time to ask questions about work schedules. You should ask: What is your estimate for completion? How early will your crew normally begin work? When will they normally quit for the day? Will I be contacted about delays or changes in the schedule? By whom?


What is your approach to a project of this scope?
This will give you an idea of how the contractor works and what to expect during the project. Listen carefully to the answer. This is one of the big indicators of the company's work ethic.


How do you operate?
In other words, how is your firm organized? Do you have employees or do you hire subcontractors? If you do have employees, what are their job descriptions? Do you use a project supervisor or lead carpenter to oversee the project? Other firms will have additional positions. You should know what parts of your project will be handled by staff, and which will be contracted out to independent contractors.


Is your company a full service or specialty firm?
If you are planning a small project, say replacing the bathroom plumbing, you may be better off hiring a specialty plumbing firm or a bathroom remodeler. However, if your project involves multiple changes, entire rooms or additions, you should consult a full service or design-build firm.


Do you have design services available?
If you are considering a large or involved project, you will need design services. If the contractor does not have design-build capabilities, you should consider hiring an architect. Depending on the size and scope of the project, you may need an architect or structural engineer.


Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?
Ask for copies of the insurance certificates to verify coverage. In addition, some states require licensing and registration. If your state does have construction licensing laws, ask for your contractor's registration and license, then confirm the license number and expiration date with your local jurisdiction.


Are any of your company's employees certified?
Trade certifications are good indicators of dedication, professionalism and knowledge of the industry. Remodelers are required to meet certain industry criteria to maintain their certifications. NARI offers three designations: Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS) and Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC).


May I have a list of references for projects you have completed which are similar to mine?
The contractor should be able to supply you with a minimum of three references, including names, telephone numbers and addresses. As a follow up to this question, ask how long ago the project was completed and if the contractor can arrange a visit to see the finished job. You should also ask for professional references from suppliers or subcontractors to verify sound business practices.


What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
This will give you a good indication about the company's customer satisfaction. According to research conducted by NARI, most remodeling businesses attribute over 50 percent of their annual volume to customer referrals; some even claim up to 90 percent or more of their total annual sales.


How many projects like mine have you completed in the past 12 months?
This will help you determine the contractor's familiarity with your type of project. You should confirm that a good portion of those completed projects were similar to the type of project you are proposing.


Will we need a permit for this project?
Most cities and towns require permits for building projects. Failure to obtain the necessary permits or to arrange obligatory inspections can be illegal. In some cases, if a project violates a zoning law or some other regulations, it may even have to be demolished if there is no way to comply with the law. A qualified remodeling contractor will be conscious of the permit process, and ensure that all permits have been obtained before initiating any work.


Of the many questions you can ask during an interview, the most important question is one you must ask yourself: 'Do I feel comfortable with and trust the person I am about to hire?' Your answer to that question should make the hiring decision a little easier.

What Questions Should You Ask References?

To protect yourself, always check the contractor's references. This is an essential stage of qualifying the right person for your project. Here are just a few questions to ask previous customers:


1. Could they communicate well with the remodeler?


2. Were they pleased with the quality of work? (This is a tough question, however, since everyone defines 'quality' differently. It is much better to ask to see the completed project to determine the level of quality for yourself.)


3. Were they satisfied with the remodeler's business practices?


4. Did the crew show up on time?


5. Were they comfortable with the trades people the remodeler subcontracted to?


6. Was the job completed on schedule?


7. Did the remodeler fulfill his or her contract?


8. Did the contractor stay in touch throughout the project?


9. Were the final details finished in a timely manner?


10. Would you use the remodeler again without hesitation or would you refer them to others?