Whether you’re looking to embark on a travertine tile installation project or a travertine paver job, it’s important to consider your options. While DIY travertine installation is certainly possible, not everyone is cut out for the hard work involved.
If you’d rather put your trust in a professional when it comes to your travertine tiles or natural stone pavers, it’s your job to make sure you’re choosing the right person or company for the job. Here’s a list of the top 10 questions to ask your contractor before hiring, starting with the first five.
1. Have you done this type of work before?
As My Home Ideas pointed out, it’s crucial to match your contractor to the type of work you need done. Some professionals excel in certain areas but lack experience in others, so it’s important to ensure that your prospect is experienced in the job at hand.
Make sure he or she has worked with travertine tiles or pavers in the past, and don’t hesitate to ask to see pictures of examples of his or her work. You should also keep in mind that some contractors mainly work with the owners of expensive custom homes, while others generally do business with homeowners who have more modest homes and tighter budgets.
2. Are you licensed?
It’s essential to ensure that your contractor is properly licensed before you hire him or her. Some states require contractors to be licensed, while some don’t. However, responsible contractors should generally have a state-issued builder’s license and a local business license. Feel free to ask for a copy of the license to check its validity and ensure that the expiration date hasn’t passed.
This is a crucial question to ask because if the professional isn’t licensed, you’ll be responsible for resolving any problems that arise, whereas a licensed contractor will afford you state-assisted backup in the event of a mishap.
3. Are you insured?
General liability insurance and workers compensation insurance are both musts. According to Rocky Mountain Bathrooms, general liability insurance protects your home from damage or negligence of the contractor, his or her employees and any sub-contractors that are involved in the job. You may want to ask to see a copy to ensure that it’s up-to-date.
Workers compensation insurance is also essential. This type of insurance protects you from liability if one of the workers is injured on your property. As the source pointed out, one-man contractors may be exempt from having to carry this type of insurance, in which case you should ask to see the certificate of exemption.
4. How long have you been in the business?
While the length of time a contractor has been in business isn’t necessarily an indicator of better quality, more experience in the industry has plenty of benefits, like references you can call for assurance, the existence of a proven track record and peace of mind knowing that your professional knows how to handle clients, workers and projects.
5. Do you belong to any professional organizations?
It’s not essential for your contractor to be part of an association for contractors, but it’s a good thing if he or she is. That’s because it shows a commitment to the industry, and these organizations often offer training, networking and research materials to keep them up to date on industry happenings.
