How to Safely Work With Home Improvement Contractors

It’s an unfortunate fact that there are unscrupulous contractors out there. Too many homeowners go into a home remodeling or replacement window project excited to see the final outcome, only to be disappointed or even scammed by a dishonest contractor.

The fact that some states have few to no licensing requirements can make it hard to distinguish the good companies from the bad, but taking the time to check up on potential contractors is essential to find one that’s experienced and reliable. The next time you need help on any project, big or small, follow these tips to safeguard yourself and your home.

• Know what you want. Before you even begin looking for contractors, you need to have a rough idea of what you want to do, when you want the project completed and how much you want to spend on it. With thousands of design ideas available online, you should have no problem finding examples of what you’re looking for and getting concepts down on paper to help potential contractors get a better sense of the scope of the project.
• Do some research. Even if licensing requirements in your state are lacking, it’s still possible to check into the performance and experience of the companies by reading reviews from actual customers on the business’s site, Google and Facebook. In addition, ask contractors for the names of previous customers, and follow up with them to see if they were satisfied with the work. It can also be a good idea to check with subcontractors to see if they work with the contractor regularly and get paid on time. Any contractor who is evasive or refuses to supply references is best avoided.
• Consult your neighbors. One of the easiest ways to find a good contractor is by asking your friends and neighbors for references. Just be sure that they’ve had personal contact and experience with the contractor and aren’t just recommending a relative or friend of a friend who has never done work for them.
• Check on the license. For cities and states where contractor licenses are required, don’t just take the contractor’s word for it that their license is valid. Instead, check the appropriate agencies in your area to make sure the license is valid and up-to-date. It’s also a good idea to check on the status of bonding and liability insurance coverage at the same time.

At Renewal by Andersen of Northeast PA, you have the peace of mind knowing that all our Certified Master Installers have the training and experience necessary to make replacing your windows or patio doors a smooth, stress-free process. To find out more about how we manufacture and install all of our own windows and doors, contact us today at [company_phone].