Doing your homework will help you have a more successful experience. Use this checklist to help you select a home builder or home remodeler to work on or build your home:
- Contact your local Home Builders & Remodelers’ association for the names of member builders and remodelers. If you are on this website and live in this area, you have already found your local Home Builders & Remodelers Association. If you live in a different region outside of Central Massachusetts, go to:www.nahb.org/findanhba. You can also ask family, friends or coworkers for recommendations.
- Check that the builder or remodeler have the proper licenses. Builders and remodelers are required to hold a Construction Supervisor’s License (CSL) and remodelers should also be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) in Massachusetts.
- Check here to see if a contractor has a valid CSL: http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dps/dps-license-lookup.html
- Check here for contractors registered as a Home Improvement Contractors. http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/consumer/home-improvement-contract/
- Check out the company’s rating and if there have been any complaints filed with your local Better Business Bureau:www.bbb.org.
- Make sure the builder/remodeler has sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance. If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
- Verify that your remodeler is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Renovator if you are planning work in a pre-1978 home that will disturb more than six square feet of painted surfaces inside the home or 20 square feet on the exterior of the home. To check if a contractor is certified, go here: http://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/searchrrp_firm.htm
- Ask the builder/remodeler to provide you with names of previous customers. If they won’t, beware. If they do, ask the customers if they would hire the builder/remodeler again. If they were happy with the builder or remodeler they will tell you. If they were not happy, they will really tell you.
- Check with your town Building Official. They often know who is good and who isn’t.
- Ask if you can see the builder/remodelers work, both completed and in progress. Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
- Do you feel you can easily communicate with the builder/remodeler? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.
- Make sure the builder/remodeler provides you with a complete and clearly written contract. The contract will benefit both of you. If you are having a new home built, get and review a copy of the home warranty and homeowner manual as well.
- Shop for price and quality. The lowest bid is rarely the best value. Good quality and a fair price should be your goal.
For more help feel free to contact us at (508) 791-5595