James Hardie looks to NARI, the National Association of Remodeling Industry for insight on how to select a contractor. NARI suggests asking the following questions before signing a remodeling contract. For more information, visit www.nari.org.

1. How long have you been in business?

2. Are you licensed by the state or a trade organization?

3. Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?

4. Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?

5. Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?
(Always verify this information by calling the agency. A copy of an insurance certificate does not let you know if the policy is still current. Even if the certificate has an expiration date, you cannot tell if the insurance has been canceled by either party. If licensing is required in your state also ask if the contractor is licensed and call to verify compliance with the law. Not all states offer or require licensing. Check with your local or state government agencies.)

6. What is your approach to a project such as this?

7. How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?

8. May I have a list of references from those projects?

9. May I have a list of business referrals or suppliers?

10. What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?

11. What local and/or national trade associations do you belong to?

12. Have you or your employees been certified in remodeling or had any special training or education, such as earning a Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS) or Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) or Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR) designation?

13. What is your experience using James Hardie products:

• James Hardie siding with ColorPlus Technology
• HardieTrim
• HardieSoffit
• HardieWrap