Tips

Prepare for your remodeling project. The information below is provided by the Remodeling Contractors Association.

1. Is your Contractor Registered by the State of Connecticut?
2. Will your contractor provide a written and signed contract as required by Law?
3. Is your Contractor Properly Insured?
4. References
5. Obtaining a Building Permit

1. Is your Contractor Registered by the State of Connecticut?

It is illegal for an unregistered contractor to perform home improvement work in Connecticut without a current and valid registration number. If an unregistered contractor is hired a homeowner cannot be protected y the Connecticut Home Improvement Guaranty Fund. Ask for a registration number and call the state Dept. of Consumer protection to verify registration. Tel: (860)566-3290

2. Will your contractor provide a written and signed contract as required by Law?

You should have a signed contract for all work over $200 as required by law. It would be prudent to have one for under $200 as well.

The contract must be in writing and contain the following:

• The date the contract is signed.
• A current CT. registration number.
• a start and completion date.
• Two copies of a three day Right of a Recision or cancellation notice with a verbal explanation.
• Signatures of both parties involved (homeowner and contractor).
• A payment schedule.

You should receive a copy of the signed contract and the 3 day Right of Recision Notice. Any change orders should be in writing and show how they affect the contract balance and the completion dates.

3. Is your Contractor Properly Insured?

Health/Auto Insurance are not relevant to a remodeling project.

Workmens Compensation is required by law as soon as a company has an employee. If subcontractors are hired the contractor should have this insurance to protect the homeowner in the event the subcontractors do not have coverage. If the contractor does not have such coverage, all subcontractors with employees should provide proof of workers compensation insurance.

Liability Insurance is not required by law but the contractor should have it to protect against property damage for both the homeowner and his own property. Certificates of insurance should be requested from the contractor's carrier.

4. References

References should be current and should be from suppliers and clients. You may also want to contact your local building inspector.

What questions should you ask suppliers?

With the contractor's permission supplier references should be asked if the account is current (within 90 days). Current accounts reduce the possibility of contractor default with supplier encumbrances (liens).

What questions should you ask of past clients?

• Were company employees courteous?
• Was adequate attention paid to clean up?
• Was disruption of family life and the home minimized?
• Were there any guaranty claims and were they attended to?
• Would you have this contractor work for you again?

5. Obtaining a Building Permit

The ultimate responsibility for obtaining a building permit belongs to the homeowner.

However the professional contractor will handle the permit processing. An unregistered contractor is not allowed to obtain a permit. If you obtain a permit for an unregistered contractor you may be ineligible for reimbursement by the Contractor's Guaranty Fund.