Questions to ask your potential remodeling contractor

Five good ones, five better ones, and one best one (by Thorn Jarvis)

Good question #2: Are you licensed? When you ask this, you need to know that the State of Illinois does not issue licenses for general remodeling contractors. There are, however, licenses for some of the specialized trades that often work on remodeling projects, such as roofing, plumbing, heating/air conditioning, and electrical.

Better question #2: May I see a current copy of your license? And while you’re on that topic, ask What professional associations do you belong to? Trade groups like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), National Association of Home Builders Remodeling Council, and Guild Quality, help screen out the fly-by-night contractors in a way somewhat similar to licensing. And by the way, the current status of all licenses issued by the State of Illinois can be verified at www.ildpr.com.

(This is the second installment in a six-part series. Stay in touch for the next "good" and "better" questions.)