Ignorance is never bliss, and while the meek might inherit the earth, they will also get taken for a ride if they don’t properly vet a contractor being hired to do a job with plenty of floating expense options. When hiring a contractor, being bold and assertive is the only way to control the narrative, and maintain your working budget.

Part of controlling the conversation is knowing what to ask and being willing to push away from the table if you don’t get the answers you want. There are tons of contractors, and while some are shady and will do subpar work for way too much money, there are quite a few that are top-notch and take the craft seriously.

What you need to know

When hiring a home remodeling contractor in Park Ridge, here are a few questions you absolutely must ask, and get the answers you are looking for, before signing the contract:

• How long have they been in business? Duration can mean a wealth of experience and a solid collection of skills. Check them out, make sure they are truthful, and don’t take anything at face value. Trust is earned.
• Are you licensed and insured? A contractor who is licensed is much more likely to get the work done than one who isn’t. A customer complaint to the licensing board and their license can be suspended or revoked. And, insurance protects everyone. Accidents happen. Better to be covered.
• Do you handle permitting and inspections? In many states, this is important. Permitting lets the local government know you have work being done, and inspections make sure it is done to code. 
• What is the timeline and payment schedule? Always know how long, and how much. This will help you plan ahead. 

Do you use the same people all the time? There is a rhythm to a dedicated cohesive crew. A short hand has been established, everyone knows what their job is, and there is little need to keep anyone on point who is straying from the goal.