What Questions to Ask Your Contractor

Taking the Right Steps

Congratulations! You decided to take on your remodeling project. Whether it’s a big project or a small one, it’s critical for you to find the right contractor to get the job done. We want to help you make the right choice, so we prepared this list of five important questions to ask your contractor.

What is Your License Number?

In Florida, every contractor must be registered by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation as a Residential Contractor (CRC). You should check the status of a license here. This check reveals any claims or judgments against the HIC. In addition, it may also show prior business owned by the same individual.

Our answer to this question: Cabex Construction is a licensed Florida residential contractor (CBC1263965).

Do You Provide an Estimate For the Project Cost?

Make sure your contractor provides a satisfactory answer regarding how firm their price is with a written contract. Beware contractors who bid low to win the contract but use the tactic of raising prices after the project is underway. It is reasonable for you to pay more if you choose to change or expand the scope of the project. It is unreasonable, but unfortunately happens all too frequently, to be charged for work that the contractor “forgot” to include in the proposal.

Our answer to this question: We simply do not provide estimates. We only provide exact prices for the material and labor. This way you know exactly how much your project costs before you start. Simply put, we have a fixed-price policy. When we spec out the project and provide you a proposal, it is set. It is our duty to know exactly what the job entails and to detail the costs for you in advance. Any changes to the project that you decide on once the project starts will show up, detailed for you in a change order with all price differentials. Our contract very clearly defines the scope of work, what is included, what is not included, and the payment schedule.

Who Will Pull the Permit For My Project?

As a Florida homeowner, you are free to pull your own permit and act as the contractor. By doing so, you assume the liability and the responsibility to ensure that all the work ends up completed according to state and local codes. Be very wary of a contractor that asks you to pull the permit. It is very likely an indication that his license is suspended, expired, or non-existent. Furthermore, if some of the work is not performed according to building codes, you, not the contractor, are liable for it.

Our answer to this question: We file all permits for your project as the Residential Contractor. This includes framing, carpentry, plumbing, and electric work. We are responsible for completing all the inspections.

Do You Have References Relevant to My Project?

Past performance is the best way to learn about the contractor. Look at before and after photos of work they completed and ask to speak to past clients. Check out the references and ask if the references will be willing to show the room that was remodeled.

Our answer to this question: With your permission, we take before, during, and after photos of all our projects to show our new clients. We provide the names and contact information of clients we worked with for in your area if they agree it is okay to be contacted. Most of our clients are more than happy to open their homes to show the quality of our work to one of our new clients. We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to see the level of workmanship we provide.

What is Your Address and Phone Number?

We hear the horror stories of a contractor who starts a job, never finishes it, and disappears with the homeowner’s deposit. To protect yourself, you must confirm your contractor’s office (or home) address; otherwise, you have no contact information if the disappear. Ideally, you want to work with someone who has a “brick and mortar” business and an office where you can meet.

Our answer to this question: Our Sarasota showroom is located at 5682 Fruitville Road. Our phone number is (941) 780-7800. The Cabex showroom is open Monday through Saturday, so you can always get in touch with someone. Of course, since every project has a dedicated supervisor who is your project manager, you will be able to contact them any time via email or office phone.