Maybe you've been
there. Remodeling can be a miserable experience if you shop for a
contractor based primarily on price. Nowhere is the saying: "You
get what you pay for" more true than in remodeling. Think about
the process and the effect on your life. Think about how much stress
you want to add to your day. If you stay in your home during the remodeling,
you will be literally "living with the workmen" throughout
the process. The low-ball guys can be scary to have in your home,
and their subcontractors can be downright horrifying. The established
contractor will have long-term relationships with "house-trained"
workmen. Remember, the bitterness of poor quality lasts longer than
the sweetness of low price. Before you consider hiring a contractor,
ask him these questions:
Do you carry
General Liability Insurance?
Ask to see their insurance certificate and workers compensation certificate.
Are the dates current?
Have you been
operating this business successfully for at least 10 years?
John Stanforth Construction has been in business since 1978.
Look in the
business white pages; does the company have a business listing?
If not, he's working out of the back of his truck, and may not be
there to honor any warranty issues.
Are you an
active member of a local professional trade association ( NARI, NKBA,
NRCA )?
Nearly all professional remodelers participate in NARI (National Association
of the Remodeling Industry), NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association),
and NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) and they require
strict ethical standards for members. John Stanforth Construction
has been a member of NARI since March of 1991; and is also an active
member of both the NKBA and NRCA.
Have you won
awards for service, quality, leadership and value in the remodeling
industry?
We consistently enter and win awards for work we have done. We have
won 13 Contractor of the Year Awards in various categories.
Do you offer
a written warranty on your work?
John Stanforth Construction offers a written labor warranty on our
projects after full and final payment is made by the homeowner.
Are you a NARI
Certified Remodeler?
This is a nationally recognized mark of distinction of remodeling
excellence and expertise. John Stanforth has earned his CR, also CertainTeed
Quality Master, CertainTeed Select Shingle Roofer and CertainTeed
Vinyl Carpenter Program. We also have five NARI Certified Lead Carpenters
on staff.
Are you willing
to provide me references?
Like other professional and reputable contractors, we are happy to
provide this information.
