1. Verify that the contractor was referred by American Disability Installations for your job.
2. Obtain the contractors builders or remodelers license number, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist Certificate (CAPS), and a copy of their up-to-date liability insurance and worker's Comp insurance. It is very important to verify that the name on the builder’s license matches the name on the certificates of insurance.
3. Check with the local and/or state office of consumer protection and the Better Business Bureau and ask if they have received any complaints about the contractor. If there were complaints were they resolved satisfactorily?
4. Check with the states building department to verify if the contractor has a valid builders or remodelers license. Many state websites can identify a contractor by business name, personal name and license number.
5. Ask for references from individuals that have hired the contractor for similar jobs.
6. Do not give them any money until you have a clearly written contract agreement.
Get a contract
A written contract protects both you and the contractor and all agreements should be put in writing. It should be as specific as possible regarding the scope of work, all materials to be used, such as brand names, quantity, weight, color, and size.
The contract should identify the start date and expected completion date.
Make sure that any changes made before or after the work starts are updated in the contract, agreed upon, and are dated and signed.
Do not sign anything that you don't understand and agree to. You may also wish to review the proposed contract with an attorney.
Make sure the contract includes everything that is agreed to, up to and including complete cleanup and removal of debris and materials.
Provide special instructions regarding environmentally controlled areas that can't be disturbed or if any residents have problems with dust, paint and/or stain. If so, identify measures for adequate ventilation. Identify areas where materials may be stored during construction and if they should be locked up while workers are not on the jobsite.
Make sure the financial terms are clear including down payment, installments, and when the final payment is due.
If the contractor is going to sub-contract work out make sure you know who it is and the name and phone number of the Supervisor in charge.
Make sure to get a copy of the signed contract, and keep it for your records.
* Keep in mind that remodeling can be challenging because you never know what's behind a wall until you tear it down. For example, if electrical wiring is not up to code, and the contractor couldn't look at it because it was between the walls, he is obligated to fix it and may want additional money to do the appropriate work. As the property owner you want it fixed and this is an understandable situation where changing the price may be acceptable.
Get a blueprint or drawing
For extensive remodeling the contractor should provide a professionally prepared blueprint or drawing of the proposed design layout with dimensions. See if the contractor can put your furniture, to scale, in the drawing to verify the layout will be functional. If they can not, try to draw it in yourself or ask someone for help. Look over the drawing carefully and identify any concerns you may have and want changed. Also, read any notes on the drawing. It would be a good idea to have the contractor sign and date the drawing and make sure you retain a copy. Even ramps should have a drawing or maybe a simple sketch, with dimensions, so you understand what it's going to look like when finished.
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