5 Questions to Ask Your Contractor

In Florida, every contractor must be registered by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation as a Residential Contractor (CRC). You should check the status of a license here. This check reveals any claims or judgments against the HIC. In addition, it may also show prior business owned by the same individual.

Garagemancave.com is a licensed Florida residential contractor (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 is underway. It is reasonable for you to 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.

At Garagemancave, we simply do not provide estimates. We only provide exact prices for the material and labor. This way you know exactly how much your project will cost before you start. Simply put, we have a fixed-price policy. 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 has started will show up for you in a change order with all price differentials. Our contract very clearly defines the scope of work, what is included, what is not included, and the payment schedule.

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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 that all the work is completed 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.

At Garagemancave, 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. Ask to speak to homeowners who underwent projects similar to yours. Ask if the references will be willing to show the room that was remodeled.

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. 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 all hear the horror stories of a contractor who starts a job, never finishes it, and disappears. 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 who has a “brick and mortar” business and an office where you can meet.

Our Sarasota showroom is located at 5686 Fruitville Road. Our phone number is (941) 780-7800. The showroom is open Monday through Friday, so you can always get in touch with someone. Of course, since every project has a dedicated supervisor who is your project manager, you will be able to contact them any time via email or office phone.