With the changes happening in the construction market as a result of the recent slow down in new home construction, it is now more important then ever to take great care in choosing someone to work on your home. Basements have traditionally been at the bottom of the priority list because the profits are low and the homeowner is living in the house above. Contractors have always used basement finishing as a last resort when other building slows and as a result, are desperate for work once at that point. This is why following some basic guidelines will help you avoid the desperate contractors and get a good work product, at a fair price, done on time.


- First Impressions are Everything:
      Chances are if a person is non-responsive on the phone when you call to set up an appointment, is late for that appointment and does not get back to you in a timely manner during the estimate process that will be how the project goes should you choose them. Everything from their clothes to their mannerisms in your home to there desire to listen to what you want and educate you on the process will tell you volumes about how that company will perform on your project.

- Make Sure They Design the Space on a Computer:
      There are many computer programs on the market to help contractors design a basement. By doing so, contractors get accurate measurements such as sqftage, wall feet, cabinet lengths, etc. If they don’t have a computer rendered drawing to show you, chances are they are truly just estimating and the cost will almost always go up significantly once the contractor starts getting the real costs.

- Get Multiple Bids:
      It is important to make sure you are getting the best value for your money and multiple bids help do that; however, do not get the best price and the best value confused. Keep in mind when making a decision price is only one factor, and many times not even the most important one, when choosing a contractor. All the estimates having the same parameters (comparing apples to apples) along with the companies guarantees, warranties, time in business, reputation, and references all need to be looked at carefully to make sure you get the best value at a fair price. A good rule of thumb is to go with someone who has specialized in basements because they know what they will run into while finishing that type of space and will be knowledgeable enough to give you a more accurate quote then others using basement finishing as something to pass the time until something better comes along.

- Get and Check RECENT References:
      Many contractors will give references of projects they did 6 months to 1 year ago or longer. This tells you nothing of the current state of the company but does tell you how long it has been since they have done a project their customers would recommend. References should be for projects completed within the past month or even current projects. Call and talk to the customers as well as ask the completed ones if you can come by and see there new space. People are always happy to show off a new project and you will get a better idea of what their experience was like by talking to them in person.

- Make Sure They Have a Deadline Guarantee:
      A deadline guarantee consists of a deadline written in the contract with a consequence if that deadline is not met. A typical consequence is an amount of money credited back to the customer for every business day over the deadline they go. A good rule of thumb is to require an amount that will motivate the contractor to finish on schedule. $150.00 per day is $750.00 per week and should be sufficient. This is important because we are seeing many contractors enter this market, start a project, get a better project, and leave the smaller one to do the larger more profitable one.

- Make Sure They Stay Downstairs:
      Because you will be living in the house while the downstairs is being finished it is critical that measures are taken to insure the security and safety of your family and possessions. Make sure the contractor changes the lock on your basement door and gives you the key, places a Port-a-Potty on the premises (we have heard horror stories about children catching workers relieving themselves on the side of the house or in window wells), and have there staff go in and out of walk out doors or windows. This keeps the construction downstairs away from the living area upstairs and helps you feel secure when leaving loved ones or possessions during the process.

- Make Sure You Understand Allowances:
      All contractors give allowances for things like flooring, cabinetry, lighting fixtures, and plumbing fixtures because these items depend on the customer’s final choice and can change drastically. It is therefore important to make sure the customer checks to make sure the allowances are realistic and will not go up significantly once the project begins. Many contractors are very low on their allowances because they know that is where they can get more money once the final choices are made. It is also important to know that allowances should be a “through-cost” to the customer, meaning there is no mark up from the contractor.

- Deposits at Contract Signing:
      Many contractors today are asking for a significant amount (20% – 50%) upfront. Don’t do it!! The only reason a contractor would need any money upfront is to pay for past projects that he owes on or to pay personal bills (mortgage, car payments, utility bills, etc). We have been hearing recently that contractors are giving very low quotes, signing contracts, getting deposits, and disappearing with the money.

***By following these simple guidelines you will be able to choose a contractor you can have confidence in and feel safe and secure while you get your basement finished.***