7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor in Georgia

Whoever you hire, these questions will tell you a lot about how the job will go.

1. Are you licensed for this work in Georgia?

Georgia licenses residential and general contractors through the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. You can look up a license on the Georgia Secretary of State's website. Trades like electrical, plumbing and HVAC carry their own licenses too, so ask who's doing that work.

2. Can I see your insurance?

Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage where it applies. If someone gets hurt on your property, you want that to be the contractor's insurance problem, not yours.

3. What exactly is in the scope?

A line-item scope protects both sides. It should spell out materials, finish allowances, who supplies what, and what's excluded.

4. What's the payment schedule?

Payments should follow progress (milestones like rough-in complete or cabinets installed) rather than front-loading the money before work happens.

5. Who pulls the permits?

The contractor doing the work should pull the permits for it. Be wary of anyone who suggests skipping them to save time.

6. How are changes handled?

Changes happen on every remodel. Ask how change orders are priced and approved. They should be in writing before the work is done.

7. What happens after the job is finished?

Ask what's covered after completion, for how long, and how to reach someone if something comes up.

Have questions about a project? Reach out. We're glad to talk it through.