CHOOSING A REMODELING & CONSTRUCTION COMPANY:

WHAT TO DO BEFORE AND DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS

If you are like most people, your home is your most valuable financial asset.  Home improvement and remodeling projects can increase its value but should not be needlessly expensive, of poor quality, or not in compliance with your local building codes.  For these reasons, it is important to make a careful selection of someone to work on your home.

BEWARE WHEN A CONTRACTOR:

  1. pressures you with a statement of urgency and wants you to sign papers today;
  2. claims to have extra materials leftover from a job for you;
  3. quotes a price that is out of line with other estimates, either too low or too high;
  4. asks you to pay for the entire job upfront;
  5. makes you feel uncomfortable.

BEFORE CONTACTING A CONTRACTOR:

  1. Determine the scope of work to be done.  Write down exactly what you want done in your home so that you can stay focused on what you want or need.  During the estimate, write down any suggestions from the contractor in a separate column for later consideration.
  2. Set expectations for the project.  Write down factors such as the time frame in which you want the work done and the types of materials you want used.  List anything about the job that is important to you and can serve as a reference when interviewing contractors.  Discuss these with the contractor and write down his or her answers and policies on the issues.

CONTRACTOR CHECKLIST:

  1. Check complaint records with the Attorney General and Better Business Bureau.
  2. Get recommendations from friends or neighbors or seek references from the contractor.
  3. Make sure the contractor meets licensing requirements.
  4. Be sure the contractor carries property damage, liability, and workers compensation insurance.
  5. Insist on a complete written contract.  Know exactly what work will be done, the quality of materials will be used, timetables, total price of the job and schedule of payments. 
  6. Inquire about the process if changes are made once the project has begun and whether there are additional charges as a result.
  7. Ask if subcontractors will be used on the project and find out who they are.

BEFORE SIGNING A CONTRACT, MAKE SURE IT CONTAINS:

  1. the Contractor's full name, address, and phone number;
  2. a complete description of the work to be done;
  3. a detailed list of materials to be used;
  4. the total cost for work to be performed, including additional charges for estimates or labor
  5. a description of how change orders will be handled;
  6. starting and estimated completion dates;
  7. a schedule and permissible methods of payment;
  8. any oral promises made;
  9. written guarantees if the contractor warrants his or her work and product.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:

  1. In Illinois, you have three business days to cancel any contract, if the sale is made and signed at your home.
  2. In Illinois, the contractor is required to provide you with the pamphlet "Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights" with any contract over $1000. 
  3. In Illinois, the contractor must provide a statement of the names and addresses of all parties furnishing materials and labor and the amounts due or to become due to each.  The list can be part of the contract or a separate printed statement.

CONSUMER FRAUD HOTLINE: Chicago (800) 386 5438