Key Questions To Ask Your Contractor
How long has the company been established?
Many contractors prefer to tell customers their employees' combined years of experience, not how long they have actually been in business. Culver Construction was started by Mark Culver in 1993. The company was incorporated in 1998 and became a member of the Better Business Bureau in 2001. We have a great team of experienced workers and are very proud of the work we do.
Does the company use subcontractors? Do all subcontractors have proper insurance documents on file with the company? Who will be responsible for injuries to workers while on the job?
We do not use subcontractors for roofing and siding projects. Direct-hire employees better fulfill our procedures and company goals. Our workers' compensation insurance will cover any injury to an employee while working on the job. The homeowner will not be charged for an injury to an employee while on their property.
Is the company licensed and insured in Iowa?
Culver Construction is licensed and insured in Iowa. A certificate of insurance from our insurance company is available to customers upon request. This signed document comes to the homeowner directly from our insurance company, it is not a photocopy done by our company.
When is payment expected? Be cautious of contractors who want most or all of the payment before work has started.
We expect payment as stated in the contract, usually upon completion of the job. For larger projects, staged payment may be expected. For example: 1/3 due at the time of signing the contract, 1/3 when the work is half done, and the final 1/3 due when the work is completed.
How does the contractor remove construction debris?
Culver Construction uses a dump truck to remove materials from the homeowner's property. The cost of this service is included in the estimate. The truck will be removed from the property when work has finished for the day. We feel customers already inconvenienced by the remodeling process should not have to bother with a dumpster blocking all or part of their driveway for a week or more, or the mess that is left under dumpsters for the homeowner to clean up.
Is there a warranty for the work completed? If so, how long is the warranty in effect and what is covered under the warranty? Make sure all warranty information is put in writing with an authorized signature.
We warranty our work against defects in workmanship for a period of 15 years. Before hiring any contractor we strongly recommend calling the Better Business Bureau at (800) 222-1600 or visiting www.desmoines.bbb.org to ensure the integrity of the company.
