Building a new home can be an exciting prospect, especially if it is own that has been custom designed to fit your family and your lifestyle. A part of the process of building includes many decisions, from the floor plan to the location to the general contractor to the finishes. If you, as the owner, are also involved in the selection of subcontractors for the project – drywaller, electrician, plumber etc, then there are several considerations to keep in mind when selecting the HVAC contractor to handle the new HVAC installation in your home.
Proper state and local licensing should be the first item on your checklist. Never assume that contractors have current licensing. Ask for those license numbers and check to make sure those licenses are valid. Secondly, ask for detailed written estimates from each of the HVAC contractors bidding on the project. Compare those estimates line by line and note any differences between what one contractor is including compared to the others. Request references from past customers who have used the contractor for the installation of a new HVAC system in their home and contact those references. Ask the past clients if they are satisfied with the system and whether the HVAC contractor has been prompt in addressing any issues that may have come up after the home was complete. In addition to these items, the HVAC contractor you hire should have his insurance provider send you a certificate of insurance which lists their liability and workers compensation coverage.
Finally, ask questions about warranties on the equipment and the contractor’s warranty on their installation. Select the HVAC contractor that has demonstrated themselves as professional and trustworthy.
