Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to hire a licensed contractor?
Licensed contractors have a higher commitment to quality where as unlicensed contractors can cut corners. When hiring a licensed contractor the homeowner is covered for liability. When hiring an unlicensed contractor the homeowner is responsible for all accidents, injuries or death.
If someone hires an unlicensed contractor and the person does not finish the job or does inferior work the only recourse is court and if awarded the person can pay as low as $10 per month. If using a licensed contractor there is a recovery fund along with other resources to protect the customers. For licensed contractors we do quality work as we don’t want complaints or to lose our license.
In the case that something goes wrong during construction, a licensed contractor’s liability insurance can protect you, the homeowner, and may cover the cost of damages and repairs. Since an unlicensed contractor does not have liability insurance, in this same scenario it would be you who has to pay out of pocket to fix the issue. And since you likely don’t have a bond for the work with an unlicensed contractor, if you need them to make the repairs, they won’t do it free of charge.
Should a contractor have workers compensation?
If no workers compensation is in place, you, the homeowner, can be held responsible for injuries, and it is possible that you may be sued by an unlicensed contractor or an injured worker to pay their medical bills. This can make your relatively affordable renovation come at a much higher cost.
Should I request quotes/estimates from multiple contractors?
We do recommend homeowners solicit multiple quotes from licensed, bonded and insured contractors, especially for larger and/or more complex jobs. There is no set number for how many quotes you should get, but a minimum of three is a good rule of thumb.
Requesting quotes is more than just about comparing prices. It is an opportunity for you to learn more about the person/people that will be making your dream a reality, and who will likely be in your home for days, weeks or even months. Smart shoppers know that considering other factors (like experience, method of approach, qualifications, etc.) when making a purchase is essential. Hiring a contractor to perform work on your home is no different.
Can Red's provide references?
Yes, we are happy to provide references upon request.
How expensive will my project be?
How does Red's handle change orders?
One of our goals at Red’s is to avoid change orders. That’s why we’ll be so thorough with you at the time of estimate, and ensure that you’re being quoted for what you expect. Getting that part of the process right is essential in reducing change orders. With fewer scope changes come fewer change orders.
That being said, scope changes and accompanying change orders will happen from time to time. If either party requests a change, we’ll first revisit our agreement to see if the modification was previously covered. If it wasn’t, we’ll talk through why and more importantly what is fair for both parties moving forward. Change orders must be documented in writing and approved by Red’s and the homeowner.