How to Hire a Builder or Remodeler

from the Alabama Home Builder’s Licensure Board

Having your own home is the American dream. It is your own little corner of the universe. Don’t trust its construction or remodeling to just anybody. As much time and attention should be spent interviewing and researching a prospective builder or remodeler as would be spent searching for a home or automobile or employee.

As a consumer you have the right to ask certain questions and request certain pieces of information. With the remodeling industry exceeding $118 billion spent during 1997, you can tell that there is a lot of remodeling that goes on all over the United States. Every year thousands of Alabama citizens remodel and repair their homes.

While most residential contractors operate honest businesses, the number one complaint filed with the Attorney General’s Consumer Affairs Division is regarding home repair fraud. There are important steps that consumers can take to protect themselves before ever hiring a remodeler. Don’t be afraid to ask certain questions or to request references.

Any remodeler running an ethical business will not be offended by your inquiries about licensing, insurance and references. Below you will see a bulleted list of information that should be obtained when you are in the process of hiring a builder or a remodeler.

Whether you are making minor repairs, adding an addition to your home or building a new home, arm yourself with the information necessary to choose the right contractor.

How to Protect Yourself from Fraudulent and Unlicensed Contractors
· Verify the contractor’s name, address and phone number. Be wary of workers who give you pager numbers rather than landline phone numbers, or post office boxes rather than street addresses.
· Request references on similar work performed by the contractor. Ask to see a job in progress, and ask for the name and number of a customer who had work done over a year ago.
· Obtain two or three bids. When comparing estimates, be sure each one is based upon the same set of plans, specifications, and scope of work.
· Check with professional associations and licensing boards (see listing below) to verify the worker’s records. Ask to see the contractor’s pocket sized license card.

Visit http://www.hblb.state.al.us/consumer-info.html for more information. Happy remodeling!