CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR

Choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between an installation of your air conditioning and heating system that goes smoothly and provides years of trouble-free comfort and on that winds up costing you thousands in wasted money and aggravation. Ask these 7 basic questions before you make a decision.

1. Are you licensed? Make sure that the contractor you are interviewing has all the proper licenses and certifications to do the job right. Ask to see a copy of the license and be sure to check the expiration date. Being licensed is the law. If a contractor cannot produce a valid license, don't hire that company.
2. Do you carry general liability insurance? Make sure your contractor carries general liability insurance. This type of insurance protects you and your property from both accidents on the job and unforeseen damage to your home while the contractor is working.
3. Will you obtain all the required permits? When a contractor obtains the required permits it's your assurance that everything will be done 'up to code. Some contractors will ask you to pull all of the permits yourself. This could be a warning sign that they are unable to get permits because they are not properly licensed. A reputable contractor will obtain all permits whenever required.
4. Do you drug test and background check your employees so I can feel secure about who is working in my home? Industry standards show that only 55% of all companies do drug testing and criminal background checks of their employees. This means that there is almost a 50% chance that someone with a questionable background could be working in your home.
5. Do you guarantee your work? Your job should be backed with a written guarantee. Many contractors will tell you that the system comes with a 'lifetime guarantee. But be careful! What they really mean is that the manufacturer will guarantee the product against manufacturer defects for life. A labor warranty ensures that any defect in workmanship is repaired or replaced by the contractor at no expense to you. Your contractor should guarantee his work for at least 1 year from the date of completion.
6. Will you provide me with references? A good contractor will be happy to provide you with references. You should look for a well established contractor who can give you several client references from the last 6 months to a year, with as many as possible in your area. Also ask for the names of customers whose jobs did not go quite as planned so you can see how the contractor handled any problems.
7. How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year? Your contractor should have experience in installing the type of system you are looking for: Be sure to ask for examples of jobs similar to yours and ask whether they were satisfied with the workmanship. Ask the homeowners if the job was done on time and at the agreed-upon price. Ask whether the contractor was easy to reach and deal with.

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