Experience
Choose a contractor with a minimum of five years experience.
License
Most contractors are licensed by the state. While a license alone does not guarantee an excellent contractor, it is one way to weed out unlicensed amateurs. Some states also record complaints filed against contractors...you can look these up using the contractor's license number at www.myfloridalicense.com.
Insurance
The contractor should carry workers' compensation and general liability insurance. Lack of insurance could leave you liable for any injuries suffered on the job. Get copies of policies from the contractor's insurance company.
Workmanship
Many contractors carry photo books to show samples of their work. But the only way to judge the workmanship is through an on-site inspection. Ask the contractor for names of recent clients and arrange to examine projects similar to yours.
Teamwork
The best contractors are those who care about the project as much as you do, and who can work around your schedule and your household's routines. If you want to be involved in every decision, hire a contractor who is comfortable with close supervision. If you want to leave the details to an expert, hire a contractor whose decisions you will trust.
The Art of the Bid
After you have selected several candidates for the project, the next step is to get bids from the contractors. To get comparable bids for the project, write out your project's specifications, including sample building materials and fixtures, and make copies for each contractor submitting a bid. The more detailed the specifications, the easier it will be to compare bids because all the contractors will be using the same fixtures and materials in their cost breakdown.
Project Specifications
You may want to hire a designer to create project specifications if you are not comfortable doing this by yourself. Specifications for a kitchen remodeling project might include cabinets, flooring, sinks, faucets, appliances, countertops, doors, windows, and any custom carpentry specifications, such as built-in shelves.
Cost Breakdown
Most contractors have their own breakdown sheets, but you can also provide one to make comparing bids easier:
1. Expenses
Itemize tasks such as subcontractor bids, building permits, finish carpentry
2. Materials
Specify the costs of all building materials
3. Fixtures
List the costs of all fixtures to be installed
4. Labor
Calculate the cost of labor. (Note that subcontractor labor should be included under Expenses)
Total
Add the totals from the four categories (expenses, materials, fixtures, labor) to arrive at an estimated bid.
Before Signing A Contract
Always check with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) by calling (850) 487-1395 and ask if any complaints have been filed against that contractor.