10 Questions to ask your contractor before committing
What is your timeline for completion?
Based on the experience your contractor has, he/she should be able to give you an accurate time your project should take. we know better than anyone, there are delay and change orders that happen all the time. Some foreseen, some not. Anytime changes are made it’s important to speak with your contractor and determine the time lost or gained by the changes made. Either way, communication is key and brings us the next question.
what are the best ways for us to communicate and how often?
“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.” Paul J. Meyer
remodeling your home is a big investment that should be taken seriously. we truly believe that if there is good communication throughout the project things will always go smooth. any contractor you speak with should be able to tell you how to get a hold of them, in what ways, and how often. you should always be treated with respect and this means always having a way to contact your project manager to go over any questions or concerns.
3. Are you licensed and insured?
this seems like an obvious one, but you would be surprised. everyone has heard a construction horror story. always protect your home and investment by asking this simple question. recommended necessary insurances include, general liability over 1 million, workers comp, & subcontractor umbrella policies.
4. how much does your company do in house // how much do you subcontract out?
this is important even if you don’t think so. The idea of having multiple companies on a project leaves more room for error, miscommunication, invoicing/payment issues, higher risk of dissension, and so on. subcontractors are great and necessary to the success of the project, but only where required. Simply put, if you higher a General contractor to remodel your kitchen they will need an electrical subcontractor, a plumbing subcontractor, and possibly an hvac or gas subcontractor. these contractors will be listed on the permit in which they will require their own insurance and license. the problems arise when your contractor does not have a big enough crew so they hire out other companies to do the general labor in which they should be doing. hire a contractor that has a team big enough to tackle your projects effectively without leaving room for potential complications. Exceptions included specialty painting, fine trim, etc.
5. what is our payment schedule?
The Better Business Bureau advises never paying for the full price of contracting work upfront, and a reputable contractor shouldn’t ask you to. But it’s important to discuss payment terms before construction begins, and be aware of exactly how much is due and when, perhaps by specific dates or based on completed stages of the project.
6. what does a normal work day look like for you?
It’s important for you to have an idea of what each work day will look like, especially if you’re still living in the home. Here are some sub questions to ask before commencement of work.
What are the approximate start and end times for construction day(s)?
Do I need to remove any items that are in or near work areas?
What will the noise level be like?
Do you need me to be home at any point during the day?
7. how will additional requests or change orders be dealt with?
More often than not, there are requests made throughout the project. Sometimes these can save you money, where often times it’ll cost you. This is where budget and communication must be tied together to keep a unison mindset and a healthy contractor//customer relationship. Make sure these changes orders are signed and dated for reference in case of confusion.
8. can you provide a list of references?
your contractor should be reputable enough to have built a healthy list of references for any job requested. Checking references is one of the only methods for assuring the contractor you choose can get the job done. ask the reference the following questions:
did you stay on budget?
did your project stay on time?
was there any communication problems or difficulties?
9. how often will you be on site?
although every project should have an individual project manager, the lead contractor should be stopping by frequently, or every day. Sometimes the lead contractor is also the project manager in which this shouldn’t be an issue.
10. will you offer a guarantee//warranty for your work?
this is extremely important and should be in writing. typically your cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, labor, and most material should be under warranty. make sure to get a detail warranty for what your contractor and the subcontractors will cover and for how long after the completion of a project.