8 Ways To Get the Most of Your Home's Contractor

If you've been around Chelmsford for a while, you've seen the large, bright red signs in front of homes reading "Nashoba Building and Remodeling."

This Chelmsford based company has been in business since the mid-1980s and is owned by local resident Gary Baker.  It is a full service, residential remodeling and building company with vast experience.  He agreed to talk to us and give us the inside scoop as to what things homeowners should talk to their contractors about.

According to Baker, he is seeing clients stay in their homes longer and are choosing to update, repair and remodel their homes.  The big choices for updating are the kitchen and bath remodels.  There is also a focus on energy efficient projects, such as window and insulation upgrades.  Most of his clients, over 90 percent, he said, are past clients or people referred to him by past clients, although his big, red sign does solicit some phone calls.

There are a number of suggestions he has for homeowners considering a remodeling project, when looking at contractors:

1. Ask what kind of licenses they hold.  A Builder's license is a good start, however many homeowners don't know to look for a Home Improvement Contractors license as well. This is different than a builder's license and should be held by builders that write contracts over the amount of $1,500.  It needs to be renewed every three years and gives contractors specific requirements that should be in every contract. Homeowners can use this venue to file complaints or check to see if complaints have been filed, while also having some protection offered from being scammed by having some money put into an arbitration fund.

2. Make sure that you are hiring a Lead Safe Contractor. This EPA certification course is federally recognized and demonstrates that the contractor is dedicated to complying with the newest lead paint regulations-the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule.  The new requirements for contractors to use lead-safe practices in renovation projects for pre-1978 homes has been in place since April 2010, and applies to all projects that affect over 6 square feet.  A copy of the EPA’s Renovate Right Brochure that Baker provides homeowners is attached to this article.

3. Ask for references ...and actually call them.  A good sign:  Contractors with customers that keep coming back will have multiple projects under the same customer name

4. Look at similar projects. Customers doing a big project should take the time to look at a similar project and talk to the past customer to see how it went

5. Ask for a time-line - both long term and day to day.  Have the contractor spell out the time line ahead of time so there is no confusion in expectations on either side

6. Ask how many jobs the contractor has at once. Baker typically has two running-one is finishing up while the other one is starting. 

7. Address noise concerns. If a homeowner will be living in the home during construction ask what steps will be taken to allow them to live their in regards to dust and noise.  It is also important to know start and finish times so contractors are not in the house at all hours

8. Make sure your contractor is Lead Safe.  Baker cannot stress enough how important this is.  It is even more important if you are living in the home during construction to keep everyone safe.

Baker’s said his favorite part of the job is that he enjoys that his skills make his customer’s lives easier and the joy they show at seeing the results of their project coming to fruition. 

If you have any further questions for Baker on remodeling, or would like more information, you can find him on the web at nashobabuilding.net or send him an email at nashobabuilding@msn.com.

Download the movie