1 Credentials

License and Accreditations

Anyone who contracts with a homeowner in South Carolina to have work done on their house must be licensed by the State and usually by the local County. A license refers to a Residential Builders License, a Specialty Contractors License or a General Contractors License. The South Carolina Department of Labor, License and Regulation can verify that a person is properly licensed. Their phone number is 803-896-4801 and their website is www.llr.state.sc.us. You should also check with the Building Services Department at your local County office.
Accreditations with national organizations such as National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) are good indicators that a contractor is concerned with his/her education and relationship with their community. Common accreditations are CGR (Certified Graduate Remodeler), GR (Graduate Remodeler), CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) and CGP (Certified Green Professional).

2 Insurance

Workers Compensation-Protects the homeowner in event of worker being injured on the job site.

General Liability Insurance-Protects homeowner for damage or loss to property and for injury to non employees.

Verify both insurance coverages by asking for a Certificate of Insurance from their Insurance Agent.

3 References

Call their previous clients, your friends and family and their trade references (i.e. materials suppliers) to provide you with information to help you make a decision.

4 Budget

Create a budget and stick to it.

Most reputable and licensed contractors work diligently to ensure their clients maintain their budget.

Visit www.remodelingmag.com and refer to the Cost vs. Value Report for insight on the costs of common remodeling projects.

5 Contract

Your contract should be in writing and you should understand all of the terms of the contract. The contract should at least contain the details of the project (Scope of Work), payment terms and a written warranty.

6 Project Management

There should be a written plan which includes the start date and an end date. You should attend regular meetings (weekly/biweekly) with your contractor and should check the actual progress against the written plan.

7 Corporate Memberships

Trade Associations (i.e. NAHB, NARI, NKBA)
BBB (Better Business Bureau)

Generally, licensed contractors who are active members in trade associations are people who are interested in serving the best interests of their clients.

8 Avoid Scams

Scrutinize the person/company who is trying to sell you something.

Expect to pay a reasonable deposit (around 10%)

Work out the details of your projects before you sign the contract.

Ensure everything that you want done has been documented on the contract in writing.

Don't allow yourself to be rushed into making a quick decision.

9 Handling Problems

Stay calm. Problems do happen. Most can be resolved.

Keep communication open.

Don't play the blame game.

10 Tips for Success

Hire only licensed contractors.

Verify all insurance coverages with insurance agent.

Trust your instinct.

Don't sign anything until you understand the terms.

Don't let payments get ahead of work.

Don't pay cash. Keep records of payments.

Keep work zones off limits to children and pets.