Contractor Referral Service: Selecting Your Contractor

The written estimate

Make sure the written estimates from the contractor includes:

• Disposal of old equipment and other waste created from the project?

• Demolition, rebuilding and painting if appropriate (e.g., for windows or insulation)?

• All permit fees?

• A list of all work to be performed, equipment to be installed and efficiency ratings?

• Warranty length for equipment and labor?

• Service contract?

Remember that proposals from different contractors may look as different as apples and oranges. Don't be shy about asking any contractor to clarify the proposal. Be an informed consumer --ask lots of questions and each contractor the same questions for consistency. Most projects require a relationship.