Home Maintenance & Repairs - What to ask?

SeniorsResourceGuide.com Preferred Contractors

Brans Pest Control - 504-392-3030
At Brans Pest Control, LLC, we provide to our customers the assurance that their pest problems will be handled in the safest, most effective and professional manner.
"No Ifs, Ants, or Bugs"
Termite Control - Pest Control - Rodent Control - Caterpillar Control
Industrial - Commercial - Residential

Quality Home Repair - 504-828-4358
We do it right the first time at a reasonable cost!
Offering Flood Damage Repairs, Home Renovations & Remodeling
Licensed & Insured, Member of The Homebuilders Association of Greater New Orleans
www.QualityHomeRepair-Nola.com

All homes need repairs to be made promptly before the damages worsen, i.e, termite, mold, water leaks, etc. Your home is your investment, and it is important to keep it in good shape. If you are older you will probably need outside help and we want to offer these tips ...

For smaller remodeling jobs or general home maintenance such as a plumbing repair, pest control or other smaller home repairs you should ask:

• How long they have been in business?
• Do they have General Liability insurance?
• Do they have Louisiana Workman's Compensation Insurance?
• Are they a licensed contractor in the State of your residence?
• Do they have their own crew or do they use only subcontractors?
• What are their payment terms?
• Do they give written estimates? If so, do they charge for these estimates?
• Do they guarantee their work or does the work done come with a warranty? If so, how long?

If you are starting a larger remodeling project such as updating a bathroom, kitchen or installing a new roof you should ask these questions, and definitely get more than one estimate-especially if you are in doubt as the reasonableness of the dollar amount requested for the project.:

• Will I have a project supervisor for my job?
• Will your employees work on my project or will it also require some subcontractors?
• How many projects like mine have you completed in the last 12 months?
• May I have a list of referral customers that you've worked for in the last 6 months?
• What percentage of your business is referral business?
• Are you a member of any local/regional or national trade association?

Here are some more tips ...

• This is an extra step but homeowner's starting large remodeling projects should verify that the contractor has liability insurance, is licensed, and has workmen's compensation.
  1. Verify insurance by asking the contractor to have their insurance agent send you a current Certificate of Insurance. This certificate will list their Workmen's Compensation policy and effective dates and/or their General Liability Policy with the respective dates when the insurance is in effect. Some contractors have been known to "fake" these documents, and hence, getting the document directly from their insurance agent provides an extra level of verification.
  2. If licensing is required in your state, a homeowner should contact the State Board of Contractors Office to verify the contractor's licensing status. Note that not all states require licensing.

** If you are going to contract for any job, regardless of size, the contractor should detail in writing (Construction contract/agreement) what the scope of work is, and the specific details of all improvements/renovations/repairs to be made. This agreement needs to include the payment terms, and at what point(s) in the progress of the job a draw will be earned and payable. Be cautious of contractors asking for down payments in excess of 20%, dependent on the financial size/scope of the project.

Fixing up your home and remodeling can be a rewarding experience. Just remember to protect your rights and your home. If in doubt, talk to someone you trust to make sure you are making the right decision, and then call a SeniorsResourceGuide.com Preferred Contractor.

Brans Pest Control - 504-392-3030 "
Termite Control - Pest Control - Rodent Control - Caterpillar Control
Industrial - Commercial - Residential

Quality Home Repair - 504-828-4358
Offering Flood Damage Repairs, Home Renovations & Remodeling
Licensed & Insured