Vetting a Contractor for a Doorway Widening Before You Sign

Widening a doorway looks like one cut and a new frame, but the wall around it may carry weight, hide wiring or plumbing, and need patching before the door can be hung. The contractor you choose decides how much of that you learn before the work starts. Your job is to make the bid say what the work includes.

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Ask what the job actually includes

Ask each contractor to walk the doorway with you and describe the work in plain steps: what gets removed, what gets added, what gets patched, and what gets painted. Ask whether the new opening will be a set width measured from the wall studs or from the old frame. Ask who will move the door and who will reinstall it. A bid that says only widen doorway is not a complete bid.

Check the license and insurance yourself

Ask for the license number and the certificate of insurance, then check both directly with the agency that issues them. Ask for the insurance certificate to name your address and cover liability and workers' compensation. Ask whether the people doing the work are employees or subcontractors, because that changes who is responsible if someone is hurt in your house. Your local building office can tell you which licenses or permits apply to this kind of work.

Ask who finds the wall and who pays for surprises

Ask what happens if the wall turns out to be load-bearing, or if there is wiring or a pipe inside. Ask who decides whether to stop, who gets the call, and how the change is priced. Get the answer in writing. A contractor who says it will be fine is not answering the question.

Compare the written scope line by line

Put the bids side by side and compare the same items: demolition, framing, header, drywall, trim, paint, flooring repair, door, hardware, cleanup, and permits. Where one bid is much lower, look for the line that is missing. Ask about the deposit size and when payments are due. Ask for the start date and the finish date in writing, and what happens if either one slips.

Ask about permits and inspection

Ask whether the contractor will pull the permit, or whether you have to. Ask who schedules the inspection and who is present for it. If the work is done without a permit when one is needed, that becomes your problem when you sell, refinance, or make a claim.

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