5 Questions to Ask Your Contractor

Taking the Right Steps

Congratulations! You can’t wait to take on the remodeling project of your dreams. Whether taking on a big project or a small one, you need 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). This check also 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’s licensed Florida residential contractor number is 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 and a specific, milestone-driven payment schedule. Beware contractors who bid low to win the contract but use the tactic of raising prices after the project begins. You can 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 the cost of your project before you start. When we spec out the project and provide you a proposal, it is set. It is our duty to know exactly what the job will entail and to detail the costs for you in advance. Any changes to the project that you decide on once the project begins will be detailed for you in a change order with all price differentials. Our contract very clearly defines the scope of work, things included and not included, and the payment schedule.

Who Will Pull the Permit For My Project?

As a Florida homeowner, you can pull your own permit and act as the contractor. By doing so, you assume the liability and the responsibility to ensure all the work finishes 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 will 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 have done and ask to speak to homeowners who have done projects similar to yours. 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 have done work 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 Numbers?

We’ve all heard 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 they disappear. Ideally, you want to work with someone with a “brick and mortar” business and an office where you can meet.

Our answer to this question: Our Sarasota showroom operates 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 comes with a dedicated supervisor who is your project manager, you can contact them any time via email or office phone.