Hiring the wrong remodeler is expensive and stressful. These twelve questions filter most of the bad ones out in a 30-minute conversation.
Licensing and insurance
- What’s your NJ HIC license number? Every legitimate NJ remodeler has one. Verify it on the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs site before signing.
- Can I see proof of general liability and workers’ comp? Ask for a certificate of insurance with your name as additional insured.
- Who pulls the permits — you or me? The contractor should pull permits. If they want you to pull them as homeowner, walk away.
Process and timeline
- Is the timeline in the contract? A real timeline with start date and substantial completion date should be in writing.
- Who’s on site every day? Get the project manager’s name and direct phone number.
- What’s the daily site cleanup standard? A vague answer here predicts a messy project.
Money
- Is the price fixed or time-and-materials? Fixed-price protects you. Time-and-materials is open-ended.
- What’s the payment schedule? Avoid contractors who want >25% upfront.
- How are change orders priced? They should be quoted in writing before any extra work happens.
After the project
- What’s the workmanship warranty, in writing? Ten years is normal for reputable South Jersey contractors. One year is a red flag.
- Can I talk to your last three clients? Real references, not a curated list.
- If something goes wrong in year 3, what happens? Listen for a clear answer. “We’ll send someone out” is good. Mumbling is bad.