Hiring a Contractor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              
April 7, 2009                                                                                                                                                

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor 

(Chicago, Ill.) –  With the poor economy and mortgage refinancing boom, more homeowners are choosing to remodel their existing homes and stay put, rather than move.  Matt Lederer, president of Chicago-based Mahogany Builders, shares the most important questions consumers should ask a builder before beginning a custom remodeling project:  

Can I see some of your projects?
Good builders are proud of their work and enjoy showing it to potential clients. Ask to see photographs of completed projects -- contractors should be excited to share their work and have images available. See if you can speak with current and former clients, too. Builders should have five to 10 clients at the ready to talk to you about their work.  If they can’t, it usually indicates a history of unhappy customers.

Are you insured?
What happens if a worker gets injured while working in your home? If a leak in the new plumbing floods the basement? If your contractor is uninsured, you could be at serious financial risk. Homeowners should always verify that general and subcontractors carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. In addition to giving you peace of mind, this shows the contractor is serious about running a legitimate business.

What does your estimate include?
Dozens of details go into a remodeling project -- details that separate poor quality from a fantastic finish.  A reputable contractor will provide costs for the various project components. However, an estimate is just that – an approximation of the expected cost. Be aware that the contractor with the lowest estimate will not always come in with the lowest overall cost at the end of the project. Also keep in mind that estimates can’t account for the intangible value of a capable contractor’s ability to efficiently run a project.

Who are the key people I will be working with?
Your contractor needs to have the right people in place to handle all aspects of a remodeling project. Who will be managing the project – ensuring materials arrive before they’re needed, making sure the correct finishes are used and keeping the budget in check? Who will be working in your home on a day-to-day basis? Can they be trusted?  Will they work diligently and show up on time? Is there an individual on staff who can help you pick out hardware and materials? Finally, who is responsible for giving you regular updates that track budget and chart progress?

Mahogany Builders is a Chicago-based remodeling contractor specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, cabinetry and interior renovations. For more information, call (773) 755-0055 or visit www.mahoganybuilders.com.

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Note to editors: Matt Lederer is available for interview.

For press inquiries please call:  Amy Solomon -917-693-5339. Amy@SolomonPR.com.