Choosing the right contractor

Dear Betsy,

I have a project I want to do in my home and I’m not sure where to begin to find a qualified contractor. I want to excavate my walkout basement to make it big enough for my husband to move his office to our home. We’ve talked to one contractor who is a friend of a friend of a neighbor, but he did not say he was a General Contractor. What is the difference? Can you help?

Signed,
Walkout Basement Homeowner

Dear Walkout basement,

Your friend of a friend contractor may not be specifically qualified for your particular job. A walkout basement is a unique project and may end up costing more than you’ve planned if you’re not careful. Depending upon the way your home is currently designed, you may be able to make a walkout work. But you could also spend a lot on architects and General Contractors if you aren’t savvy about remodeling. You will need a licensed GC, one who is licensed in your county or city, and you will need to pull a permit or have the contractor pull the permit. As well for this type of job you will need a good structural engineer and an experienced excavation team. I recommend checking licenses, insurance, identification, references and check too with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints that may show up naming the vendor of your choice before you hire them. A Contractor Connection refers clients like you to a few different contractors that we’ve already checked out. That way, our clients have opportunity to find a contractor with the right qualifications and the right personality to work in your home. After all, they will be in your home for days and weeks in a major project like you’ve proposed.

Signed
Betsy Kelly,
A Contractor Connection
www.acontractorconnection.com
acontractorconnection@hotmail.com