5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor in Northwest Oregon

Let’s talk about contractor job interviews.

You don’t have to be a professional HVAC technician, licensed plumber, or electrician to find the best company for your home improvement project. You simply need to ask the right questions.

Hiring the best contractor for your Portland, home can mean the difference between a smooth, stress-free experience and a costly, frustrating one.

Sun Glow has proudly served Greater Portland since 1972, and we know how critical it is to hire someone you can trust. You want a contractor who treats your home with respect, explains your options, and gets the job done right.

Poor installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent, costing you more on your utility bills, according to ENERGY STAR®. Before committing to a contractor, you need to determine if they are the best fit for your heating and cooling, plumbing, or electrical project. You need to feel confident in their professionalism, skills, and experience.

At Sun Glow, we recommend that you interview and obtain estimates from at least three contractors before signing a contract. Please consider us as part of your selection process.

There are five questions to ask your potential hires:

1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

This is your first question, and it should be a deal-breaker for any contractor who responds “no.” A licensed HVAC contractor has met state and local requirements and is legally allowed to perform the work. Insurance protects your property in the event of an accident, and bonding ensures the company fulfills its obligations.

If something goes wrong and the contractor isn’t insured, you could be held liable.

You also want to be sure you know who will complete the work in your Multnomah County home. Does the company subcontract work or will its own in-house team show up at your door? Knowing who will be responsible for the results is essential when choosing a contractor.

You can feel confident working with Sun Glow because we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. You will gain peace of mind knowing you are in good hands.

2. What Experience Do You Have With My Specific System?

Not all HVAC systems are created equal. Whether you own a ductless mini-split, a traditional furnace, or a high-efficiency heat pump, ask about the contractor’s experience with your specific equipment.

Ensure they have experience working with your brand or model. Ask about technician training and if employees are credentialed through North American Technician Excellence (NATE), or have earned certification through an HVAC manufacturer. Are installers and service technicians involved in ongoing training?

Are they aware of the latest safety protocols, building codes, technology, and industry best practices?

Reading online reviews can help corroborate a contractor’s commitment to training and experience, or they can convince you to dig a little deeper.

At Sun Glow, our NATE-certified technicians receive specialized training to work on a wide range of systems, including those from Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and other leading manufacturers. We also stay current on the latest HVAC technologies and safety practices.

3. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

Reputable contractors should have a track record of satisfied customers. You can check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.

Request recent references, preferably for projects the contractor has completed that are similar to your upcoming project. Follow up with the references and ask the referred customers if they were satisfied with the installation or repairs, customer service, and timeliness of job completion. Would they work with this contractor again?

If the contractor does not want to provide references or has no online reviews, it’s time to consider another company.

4. Will You Provide a Written Estimate?

Always get a detailed, written estimate before any work begins. It should include labor, equipment, and any additional costs. Verbal estimates can lead to miscommunication or surprise charges. A written quote also protects you in the event of a dispute.

While discussing written job estimates, it is a good time to ask about pricing and confirm that there are no hidden fees.

You can expect a transparent, written estimate with honest pricing and no pressure from us at Sun Glow.

5. What Warranties or Guarantees Do You Offer?

An honest HVAC, plumbing, or electrical contractor should stand behind their work. Ask about warranties on parts, labor, and any satisfaction guarantees before hiring a company for your home project.

The least expensive bid you receive does not always mean it offers the most value. Warranties on parts and labor can help you manage the cost of future repairs.

While discussing guarantees, it is a good time to ask if they offer maintenance plans. Routine HVAC maintenance helps extend the life of your system, reduces energy costs, and catches minor issues before they become expensive repairs.

A reliable contractor offers maintenance plans to keep your system running efficiently year-round.

Our Sun Glow Maintenance Membership Program provides multiple benefit tiers. You can choose which level suits your comfort and budget.

Ask Questions to Find the Best Contractor

By asking the right questions, you can avoid hiring an unqualified or careless HVAC contractor who will cost you more in the long run. From improper installation to safety risks and voided warranties, cutting corners isn’t worth the risk of ruining your home improvement project.

Choose a team with the experience, credentials, and integrity to do the job right.

Sun Glow has served Greater Portland for over 50 years. We take pride in our team members and our proven track record.

• We are family-owned and operated
• We offer energy-efficient solutions
• Emergency services are available
• We have financing options
• We continually invest in training, technology, and better tools
• We believe in continuing education for our employees
• We provide exceptional customer service

Do Your Homework Before Hiring a Contractor

Asking questions before hiring an HVAC contractor for a project in your Portland, home will save you time, money, and a lot of stress. At Sun Glow, we are happy to answer your questions, offer expert advice, and provide service you can count on. Call us at 971-204-6670 or request service online.