• Ask to see and verify contractors Home Improvement contractor’s license.

• Have the contractor’s insurance company mail you an insurance certificate. Make sure contractor has both liability and workman’s comp coverage.

• Compare previous projects that a contractor has completed that are in common with your project.

• Ask for referrals. Arrange an appointment to see the contractors past projects.

• How long has the contractor been in business? Is the contractor a “Fly BY Night Contractor”

• Never choose a contractor solely on price. Remember the old saying “You Get What You Pay For”

Good contractors will be happy to talk about their past remodeling projects.

 When checking references, look for:

• A responsive contractor who returns calls promptly and answers questions willingly
• Attention to detail
• A contractor who will keep your project clean and organized through the construction process
• A contractor who will be “onsite” working

Most importantly, be sure you can get along with the contractor. If you cannot communicate effectively with the contractor, things can get very tense in a lengthy project. You want a contractor who will explain what’s going on as the project takes shape, who will discuss problems reasonably and who will work with you to make the result as good as it can be.

You also want someone who’s willing and able to help you refine your plans where possible, resulting in a more desirable and cost-effective project. A contractor who is knowledgeable about the type of work you’re doing should be able to suggest ways to get what you want and meet your budget.

The remodeling contractor is one of the most important parts of any home improvement project. Hiring the wrong one can affect:

• The budget
• The timing
• The finished product

Always ask for proof of insurance. Do not allow a contractor to hand you a copy of the certificate; instead have their insurance company send you an insurance certificate in the mail.

Make sure your contractor has Liability and Workman’s composition coverage.

This process assures you that the contractor you may hire has the proper insurance and is their insurance policy is up to date.

Ask for a copy of their Home Improvement Contractor License. Go online to NJ.org and check if there are any complaints.

Choose a contractor who specializes in your type of home improvement project.

View your contractors past projects that may match yours. This will assure you that your contractor has the needed experience to complete your project.

Ask for referrals. Ask to speak to previous clients and see if you can visit completed projects.

Never choose a contractor solely on price

Do not simply hire a contractor with the lowest estimate. Examine and breakdown each estimate. Is the price of materials low compared to other estimates? The materials could be inferior. If the contractor's price is considerably lower than other estimates his standard of workmanship may not be up to par with more qualified contractors. Or the contractor may have made a mistake on the price. Weigh all factors-price quote, references, and professionalism before making a decision.

Over the last few years contractors have lowered their prices to be more Competitive.

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Some contractors have become desperate to land a job and have cut corners to earn your project.

I would be careful of these types of contractors. I have been reading a lot of horror stories about contractors under bidding a job to get the work and then half way through the project tell the homeowner” I’m out of money”

If you’re looking for the cheapest price and willing to take a chance of being taken;

Then I’m not the contractor you are looking for. I will not sacrifice quality and craftsmanship.

Don't hire unlicensed contractors to do the job. If you do, you will have no recourse should you be unhappy with the job or should you have code or permit violation.

Hiring a handyman verse a professional:

While a handyman charges less than a professional, the professional completes the task quicker and makes fewer or no trips to suppliers. In the end contactors cost to the client is the same but the quality workmanship is with the professional. Many times the handyman work must be removed to complete a proper repair making the correct repair more expensive.

Sub work: Is your contractor just a salesman who is going to sub out your work to another company? If so are these sub-contractors, licensed, insured, and are they legal citizens?

I may not be the best salesman but I assure of a few things:

I will complete your project as quickly and efficiently as possible

I will not sub-contract my general contracting or framing contracting to another contractor.

Use carful considerations when reading and comparing contractor’s proposals.

Choose a contractor with a detailed proposal.

Compare proposal side by side, are you comparing apples to apples?

This assures you that your contractor has a full grasp of the “scope of work” and is not going to say later” that’s not included, it’s an extra”

David J Festa Carpentry LLC has the technical, business and interpersonal skills, the tools and the experience needed to do the job you want done.

Don’t just take my word; ask to speak to my past clients.

I will be more than happy to give you as many referrals as you like.

Want to look at my previous projects, no problem, I can arrange a visit