Find out the history of the company, the type of projects it does and its years of experience. Request references from contractors for similar repair work, contact the references, and examine the contractor's completed work. Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if any complaints have been filed against the contractor. Check with the local regulatory authority to see if the contractor is licensed and bonded. Ask if the contractor offers a warranty.
Many contractors offer only a limited warranty on labor and materials.
Ask if the contractor is properly insured with adequate builder's risk, liability and workers compensation insurance. Get a certificate of insurance. You may want to contact your agent or broker to assess the adequacy of the contractor's insurance carrier, insurance coverage and limits. The owner of the property is responsible for paying the contractor. Most lenders, as a condition of the loan, require that they be named as a payee on the insurance policy covering the subject of the loan.