Contractor Checklist

Home building — You will probably need a full time general contractor to build a house, as they will have the appropriate contacts and relationships with subcontractors - electricians, plumbers, etc.

Renovations — A small time contractor who will pitch in himself is a good choice - smaller jobs can be more cost effective if the foreman is also working.

Landscaping — A contractor who specializes in landscaping is your best bet as they will have the right contacts - nurseries, greenhouses, etc.

Light remodelling — Look for a specialist in the area you are remodelling - some contractors specialize in kitchens and baths, for example.

Recommendations — Ask for the names and numbers of past clients you can check with who will vouch for quality of work done, budget adherence, and professionalism.

Personal references — Ask for names and numbers of people who will vouch for personal integrity.

Legal — Check to see if the contractor has any lawsuits pending.

Online — Google the contractor in search of any information - good or bad.

BBB — Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed.

Company history — How long has the contractor been in business? It's best to select a contractor who has been in business at least 5 years.

Goals — Ask the contractor to explain clearly the solution he suggests to reach your goals.

Quality standards — Ask what guidelines the contractor uses to determine his quality standards.

Professional designation — Ask if the contractor has a specialty designation in any category of home improvement/remodelling.

Trade membership — A contractor who is the member of a trade association is more likely to be up to date on current materials, codes and methods.

Price — Ask the contractor for a final bid in writing that includes a detailed account of how budgeted funds will be allocated.

Insurance — Your contractor should carry workman's compensation for anyone injured on your property. They should also carry general liability insurance in case they damage your property.

Licensing — If you live in a region where licensing is required, make sure your contractor is properly certified and up to date.

Permits — The contractor should demonstrate capability to acquire all the required permits as applicable by local law.

Start/end dates — There should be a clear timeline for job completion.

Payment — You can expect to pay a deposit upfront and to supply payments at milestones, but the final payment should not be released until the job is completed to your satisfaction.

Warranty — This should be spelled out in the contract with all parties under obligation clearly identified.

Dispute resolution — Especially if the job is large, a mediation process should be agreed upon in case of conflict.

Clean up — Unless you want to be left with a mess, make clean-up by the contractor one of the stipulations for release of final payment.

Penalties — Write a per day penalty into the contract that will deduct from the price of the job if the contractor does not finish in the time frame agreed upon.

Bonus — Likewise, a bonus can be offered for completion of the job earlier than planned - but make sure your contractor doesn't cut corners to finish early.