Frequently Asked Questions

Are you licensed by the Michigan Builders and Maintenance & Alteration Contractors Board?

Yes, we have been licensed since 1991. Our license number is # 2102102301. Contractors that are not licensed should be avoided as they are likely to expose you to unnecessary insurance risks and provide inferior service.

When someone contracts without a license, they endanger the health, safety and welfare of the public, undercut licensed contractors who operate legitimately and lawfully, and hurt the entire construction industry.

A state license must be displayed in the place of business and all contractors and their salespersons must carry a pocket card which you should ask to see. If they cannot show you a license, check the department's License Information database or call the Verification Unit at (517) 241-9288.

Can I obtain a "ball park" estimate over the phone or via email?
General or Home Remodeling Contractors who will give you a quote over the phone without meeting you or visiting your property should be avoided.

We do not give estimates over the phone. There are too many variables to simply give an accurate quote. We will meet you in person; ask you specific questions to gain a full understanding of your project needs. We will then provide you with a written estimate including our detailed preparation and installation procedure for a typical home. We provide each homeowner we meet with our written processes. This allows the homeowner to easily understand the cost of updating their home and to easily compare our proposal with another proposal.

When is the New EPA Law to Prevent Lead Poisoning go into effect? Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

As President of Lincorp, I believe this is a very important step to protect adults and children from the harmful effects of lead paint. Lincorp is certified in the new law and will follow the laws in providing our services at your home.

Is It really necessary to check references?
Yes. Quality home remodeling contractors have multiple references from past clients. We believe that a home remodeling contractor should provide you with a list of at least 25 references - this prevents the contractor from giving you 3 or 4 "references" that are actually not real customers but friends or associates. (Yes, it's been known to happen)

Lincorp provides a list of at least 25 references you can call. If a contractor is unable or unwilling to provide references that should be a warning sign.

Will your insurance agent provide me with a copy of your Certificate of Insurance?
Yes. Getting the Certificate of Insurance directly from the contractor's insurance agent will provide you with assurance that the coverage is current.

In addition to licensing by Michigan - quality general and home remodeling contractors adhere to the following guidelines:

The home remodeling contractor is required to maintain statutory Worker's Compensation insurance.
The home remodeling contractor carries at least $2,000,000 Liability insurance per incident.
If the home remodeling contractor utilizes trade contractors - they all must maintain similar insurance levels.

Should a home remodeling contractor be a member of the Better Business Bureau?
We believe so. BBB sees trust as a function of two primary factors - integrity and performance. Integrity includes respect, ethics and intent. Performance speaks to a business's track record of delivering results in accordance with BBB standards and/or addressing customer concerns in a timely, satisfactory manner.

BBB Accreditation is an honor - and not every company is eligible. All BBB accredited businesses have agreed to live up to our Principles for Trust. Our Principles for Trust are a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and best practices focused on how businesses should treat the public - fairly and honestly in all circumstances.

Is there really a benefit to the homeowner if a remodeling contractor is a member of a professional association of builders and remodelers?
We believe that active membership in trade associations demonstrates that a company is committed to continuous improvement to better service their customers.

We are proud members of NAHB - National Association of Home Builders and we are part of the Remodelers Council - www.NAHB.org

Trade associations are designed to establish standards for the industry. Specific standards established for the members would include:

Guidelines for References
Office & Field Safety Systems
Compliance with Insurance & Regulatory Issues
Blueprint Reading and Estimating Skills
Safety Program Requirements
Increasing Trade Knowledge
Administration of Certification Examinations

Membership in the NAHB Remodelors Council reflects a Remodelor's commitment to responsible business practices, quality construction and reliable customer service.

We are members because we believe it helps us to maintain high standards and quality service.

Hiring a member of NAHB insures that your contractor knows the correct safety procedures; is dedicated to best practices in the industry; has committed to a strict code of business ethics; is fully licensed and insured and will faithfully fulfill every aspect of every contract.

Are the Master Builder and Professional Master Remodeler designations really necessary?
We believe it is. We are proud of our designation as Master Builder and Professional Master Remodeler.

This is our proof that our operations are run by a dedicated professional that has achieved the highest standards available from the leading manufacturer in our industry.

Out of the thousands of contractors in Michigan, less than 50 companies in have achieved both designations.

How Will I be Kept Informed About the Progress of the Project?
At a minimum, every week we will update you. This communication is an essential part of keeping your project on time and on budget.

We'll even keep you updated if you're traveling with emails.

When You Start A Job, Do You Stay Until It's Done?
Yes. We are motivated to complete your project as that is the only way we get paid. Once we start your project, we stay on it each day until we are finished unless there are circumstances beyond our control like weather that don't permit us to work.

Do I need to be home when you're working?
Not all the time but we do ask that you be available each day so we can provide you with answers to any questions you have.

How long does it take?
Each project is different. We give you exact start and finish dates so you can plan. Once we start your project, we stay on it each day until we are finished unless there are circumstances beyond our control like weather that don't permit us to work.

Do you work with Home Owner's Associations?
Yes. We will provide the appropriate information to your HOA.