Finding a NUDURA ICF Trained Installer (Contractor)

• Contact NUDURA to find your local distributor that can provide information on an insulating concrete form – ICF installer
• Ask your distributor for a list of NUDURA Insulating Concrete Form - ICF Trained Installers
• Verify that the contractor is a fully accredited NUDURA insulating concrete form - ICF Installer (ask to see his wallet card).
• If you know a contractor, and he is not a NUDURA insulating concrete form - ICF installer, have him can contact NUDURA and register to attend a NUDURA Basic Installation Course to get started building with insulating concrete forms - ICF.   
• Contact the recommended NUDURA insulating concrete form - ICF installers to get their advice and suggestions on how they would do the work.
• Get to know the contractor and the contractor’s work. Unless you have been able to check out the contractor ahead of time, you should not sign anything or pay anything at this stage.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:

• You won’t offend reputable firms with questions. If a contractor doesn’t seem to know much about the technical details of the job or doesn’t want to talk about them, you may have the wrong contractor.
• If the contractor plans to do the whole job alone, make sure he or she has all the necessary skills and qualifications.
• Be sure you can get along with the contractor. You want a contractor who will explain what’s going on and who will discuss problems reasonably and work with you to make the result as good as it can be.
• You also want someone willing and able to help you refine your plans where possible. A contractor who is knowledgeable about the type of work you’re doing should be able to suggest ways to get what you want and meet your budget.

CONTRACTOR REFERENCES:

• The best proof of quality is satisfied customers.
• The contractors you decide to meet with should have references from at least three previous clients who have had similar work done. Don’t accept the recommendations at face value.
• Phone them and ask about their experience with the contractor and their tradespeople and ask them if they were satisfied with the quality of the work.
• Were there any problems?
• Did the contractor keep them informed throughout the project?
• Did the contractor’s crew keep a clean work site?
• Was the work done on schedule?
• Were there changes to the scope of the work, and if so, how were they handled?
• Would they hire the contractor again or recommend the company to friends or family?
• If the previous clients are willing, visit them to see the finished job. Their willingness itself is usually a sign that they were satisfied. Check with your local Better Business Bureau. It records complaints about contractors in your community

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

1. How long have you been in business and installing insulating concrete forms - ICF?
2. What work are you, or your subcontractors, licensed to do, e.g., electrical, plumbing?
3. What kind of work do you specialize in?
4. Have you done a similar job before? (ask to see a job in progress)
5. Will you use your crew to install the insulating concrete forms - ICF, or will you subcontract all or part of the job?
6. How would you handle a specific problem related to this project (e.g., installing kitchen cabinets on your sloping floor)?
7. How will you deal with the health and energy efficiency aspects of the job?
8. How and when do you clean up, particularly fine dust?
9. What work schedule will you follow?
10. What kind of warranty do you offer and what does it cover?
11. Do you carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance?
12. Will you provide a written contract?
13. Will you take out all required permits (e.g., building, plumbing, electrical)?