Remodeling your basement is an investment. As such, you'll want to make sure you hire the right contractor for the job.
If a contractor refuses to answer any of the questions in this blog post, treat it as a red flag and move on.
Here's what you should ask a basement remodeler before hiring.
How Long Have You Been Remodeling Basements?
A basement remodeling company doesn’t last long if they have a reputation for shoddy work. This is why it’s important to ask a contractor how long they have been remodeling basements in your town.
A well-established contractor will have plenty of references. They'll also have a reliable network of suppliers to get the job done.
Are You Licensed?
In Michigan, a contractor must have a license to remodel basements. If your contractor is unable to produce proof of their license, keep looking. You want to make sure you're hiring a qualified contractor.
Are You Insured?
Insurance protects workers in the event they get hurt on the job. It’s important you make sure the contractor and their workers have insurance. Otherwise, you could be held liable for their medical expenses. A will have no problem showing proof of insurance.
Do You Have Any References I Can Contact?
Make sure that the references they give you are recent and relevant to your project. For example, a contractor may have glowing references for kitchen remodeling. But not have as much experience with remodeling basements.
A reference will tell you if they're happy with the contractor's work. They may also recommend the contractor if they had a positive experience working with them.
(Be sure to check out our portfolio to see what we’ve done for other clients!)
Would You Itemize Your Bid?
It's not uncommon for contractors to only offer a bottom-line price. But they should be willing to itemize their bid upon request. This will tell you how much each aspect of the remodel will cost.
Asking for an itemized bid can help you save money and avoid dishonest contractors. It also makes it easier to compare prices between contractors so you get the best deal.
If a contractor isn't willing to itemize their bid, keep looking.
Related:How to Stay on Budget for Basement Remodeling >>
Can I Meet the Job Foreman?
Most contractors aren’t involved in day-to-day operations. That responsibility falls to the job foreman.
To get a feel for how the foreman runs their job sites, you should ask to meet the job foreman at one of their job sites. If your contractor plans on running the job site himself, you’ll want to ask if he’ll be there every day.
Request a Free In-Home Consultation From Basement Trust
Ready to get started on your basement remodeling project? You’ve come to the right place! At Basement Trust, all we do are basements!
Basement Trust is a basement remodeling contractor in Grand Rapids, MI. As such, we're dedicated to helping you get the most out of your basement. We offer both design and remodeling services.
To request a free in-home consultation for any of our services, call (616) 608-9716. We hope we hear from you soon!
This blog post has been updated.