Home Improvement Resource Guide

How to hire a contractor

The following are tips for hiring a contractor and working toward getting the best service possible.

Know what your remodeling job entails. There may be several different kinds of jobs that need to be done. Become familiar with the different types of contractors and what type of work each trade person is responsible for.
Decide if you want to become the general contractor or if you want to hire the general to act as the project manager.
Whichever route you choose, you will need to get the names of different contractors. Ask friends or neighbors who have had work done recently. Asking the local hardware store or lumberyard may also be an option for getting information on remodelers.
Once you have the names of several contractors, you can call the Minnesota Department of Commerce Licensing Division at 651-296-2488 or the City of Bloomington Building and Inspection Division at 952-563-8930 to make sure a contractor is licensed.
Call the contractors you have chosen and set up an appointment for them to come to your home and discuss the project you have in mind.
Ask the contractors for references and then actually call several of the references to ask about their experience with that contractor. This may feel a bit awkward, but most people will enjoy telling you about their remodeling job.

For more information, contact:

Regina Harris, Administrator
PH: 952-563-8937, TTY: 952-563-8740, FAX: 952-563-4977
E-mail:hra@ci.bloomington.mn.us