Know Your Contractor

One of the key parts of our home improvement -- siding and windows -- presentation is education of the home owner. No matter what the project is -- how big or small -- knowing your contractor and your options are critical. This week we will talk about "Knowing Your Contractor."

We encourage all home owners to thoroughly check out prospective contractors. In fact, we start our presentions with a brief introduction to our company. At first thought, this may seem "trival" or self-serving, but, the contractor you choose will have full access to your home -- which is most likely your most valuable asset. Having a reliable and trustworthy contractor offers a great peace of mind once you have started your home improvement project.

Also, a contractor who takes pride in his business will also take pride in his work! In Washington State, anyone can check the status of a contractor through the Department of Labor and Industries website -- https://fortress.wa.gov/lni/bbip/

This site gives the current status of the contractor's bond, insurance and Labor & Industries account as well as other information. (The report of Awesome Exteriors, LLC is located here -- https://fortress.wa.gov/lni/bbip/Detail.aspx?License=AWESOEL960B3 as an example.)

As the home owner, you want to be sure your contractor has proper bonding and insurance. You want to also be sure that anyone working on your home is covered by insurance -- through the Department of Labor & Industries or as a properly licensed and bonded sub-contractor. If they are not covered, YOU will be held responsible for any injuries that may happen.

It is not uncommon for all General Contractors in the Home Improvement business, even companies like SEARS and HomeDepot, to use sub-contractors to perform the actual work. The key is to be sure these sub-contractors have the proper bonding and insurance. Ask your contractor to be sure.