Taurus Construction Inc. | Home Remodeling and Construction Professionals in Cary, Illinois

A successful home remodeling project is dependent upon finding an ethical, reliable, competent and experienced contractor. This is where your research must be as thorough as possible, including background checks which will help to uncover any "skeletons" now, rather than in the middle of your project should things begin to unravel. Your work is about to begin!

Beware of “Prescreened” or “Contractor Finder” Companies: These companies and websites are becoming more popular recently.

• Good contractors may be available but keep in mind – Contractors pay a fee to become a member.
• There are many “Finder” sites available, contractors cannot afford to subscribe to several, so the site you pick may not have the best available.
• The best and most reliable method is by referrals.

Licensed Contractors: Illinois does not issue contractor licenses, with the exception of Roofing Contractors. Some local municipalities may require a type of license, bond, or registration from the General Contractor, or possibly all contractors involved in the project.

Check for History of Complaints: Because Illinois does not issue contractor licenses, there is no regulatory agency to collect or review complaints. However, you can contact the municipality where the work is being done. Local building departments are usually the first to hear of problematic contractors. o

• The BBB (Better Business Bureau) may be a source for checking a “Company Complaint History”. They only keep records for 36 months, so the BBB is a limited resource.

Check References and Follow Up with Homeowners: Ask for recent referrals, as well as some past references. Talk to homeowners and verify the quality of workmanship. Referrals are usually the best way to shop for a contractor, a satisfied customer will be happy to discuss their project with you.

Verify Insurance: Ask for copies of insurance for all contractors that will be working on your project. This is common practice, and the insurance companies involved will send you information if requested. 

• Check your homeowner’s coverage to be sure that you are covered for material on-site. This is not the contractor’s responsibility, and should be verified by the customer before work begins.
• Also, check to see that you have coverage for damage to the structure during the remodeling process.

How Long Have They Been in Business? Although there may be plenty of very good contractors that have not been in business for very long, this is a good measuring stick. Five years in good standing (in your community) is considered acceptable. Be extra careful from businesses that will not willingly give out this information.

Prepare a Detailed Request for Proposal: It is critical that you prepare a list of specifics that your potential contractors can use for estimating.

• Make sure the plans include everything you want included in the bid.
• Be very specific on quality of material, name brands, colors, sizes, etc., of all areas of your project.

Verify that the Contractor Maintains a Permanent Mailing Address: This includes e-mail address, phone number, fax number. You need to be assured that he can be easily reached by several different methods. You also want to be sure he is not working out of his truck. 

Obtain a Vendor / Contractor List: Ask the contractor for a list of his subcontractors and vendors he will be using on your project.

• Be sure that the contractor is using licensed sub-contractors. Plumbers and electricians should have state license numbers. These subs can be checked in the same manner as the contractor. If you have questions – make sure you get answers to your satisfaction!
• Contact the suppliers to check their credit standing. Do they have an account or pay on delivery? Most suppliers extend credit to financially sound contractors. Contact the sub-contractor to verify the timeliness of the contractor.

Interview Potential Contractors: Ask questions that are important to you and pay attention to how you feel about him / her. Do you feel comfortable having them around for several weeks or months? It’s just as important to have a good working relationship with the contractor as it is to have a contractor with good credentials.

Get a Complete Written Contract: Do not sign the contract until you completely understand all sections of the contract. It is time well spent to review the contract before you sign.

• A well written contract protects both the contractor and the customer. 
• Remodeling work can consist of many concealed items that cannot be discovered until demolition begins. This is common in every remodel job – expect it. Be sure the contract is clear on how these situations will be corrected.

Payment: One important item to remember – don’t pay too much for a down payment. 

• Most contractors will require a down payment to secure a schedule slot. This down payment should be adjusted according to the size and scope of work being performed.
• Be sure you are clear of the scheduled payment plan. Contractors need to pay their sub-contractors after they have completed the “rough-in” portion of their work. They cannot pay their subs if they are not paid, and work on your job may come to a sudden stop.
• Payments should be scheduled to coincide with the work being completed. Never pay for work that has not been completed.
• Special Order items may require 100% payment at time of order. This is an exception to the above. o A percentage of the payment should be released upon “Final Punch”. This insures that the contractor finishes all of the contract work before final payment.

Lien Waivers: Many banks and lenders require Lien Waivers, or partial Lien Waivers, upon completion or partial completion of work. These documents are designed to protect the consumer if the contractor fails to pay his subcontractors or suppliers. These are typically requested for larger jobs, but can be requested for smaller jobs.