Many remodeling jobs require professional help. Remodeling jobs are more than just hammer and nails. Homeowners may wonder if they need a carpenter, plumber or an electrician. Professional contractors have all the skills required to complete any remodeling job. Finding and hiring the right contractor is not as simple as opening the yellow pages. What can homeowners do to insure they have chosen the right contractor?

Contractors in many states are required to have a license. To obtain a license, a person must prove to the issuing authority that they have the skills to be a contractor. Some states have laws requiring a license if the cost of the remodeling project exceeds a certain dollar amount. Regardless of the law contractors can choose to be licensed.

The first question then is the contractor licensed in the state where the work will be performed. Ask if the contractor is insured and bonded. Insurance covers the contractor’s injuries if they happen on the job. Being bonded can mean they have insurance that will cover damage they or their employees cause. Obtain a list, of references. References are customers that have hired the contractor for similar projects.

Estimates of cost must be in writing. Contractors many times will add 10 percent when ordering materials. The 10 percent margin covers damaged material and mistakes and is a very common practice. The homeowners own all left over materials. Make sure the estimate covers labor costs and any follow up work. Many contractors to protect themselves will ask the homeowner to pay for materials upfront. This protects the contractor in the event the homeowner decides not to continue. The homeowner will own the materials if the contractor backs out.

There should be a contract signed by both parties clearly stating the project to be done, costs and completion date. If the homeowner has paid for the materials then, the contract should be definitive on the labor costs. Do not allow contractors to charge by the hour. The labor cost should be by the project.