It’s the contractor you pick that can make or break your project. Finding the right contractor for you will determine the quality and timeliness of the work, and the amount of emotional and financial stress you’ll have to deal with. To make sure you’re getting the best possible contractor here are thirty comprehensive questions to ask the candidates.
During your first meeting:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you a licensed contractor?
- What city are you licensed in?
- How many building permits have you obtained in this jurisdiction in the last 2 years?
- Can I see proof of your liability insurance?
- Do you carry workers compensation insurance?
- Will you provide me a list of your past clients for whom you preformed a similar job?
- Have you ever had disciplinary actions filed against you?
- Have you ever declared bankruptcy?
- Will you provide me a list of local business references?
- How will you communicate with me?
- How will I reach you after hours?
- When do I need to be available to meet?
- How will you let me know to make a decision?
- What part of my project concerns you?
- What will happen if there is a change?
- Do you have job site visitation limitations?
- Who will be working on my house?
- Will you be hiring sub-contractors for this project?
- How will you protect my house?
- How will my project be supervised?
- Will you obtain all building permits?
- Who will coordinate the required inspections as part of the building permit process?
- What type of written warranty will you give me?
- What kind of documentation will I receive when the project is complete?
When you receive their written proposal:
- What are the allowances?
- How much time is allowed for the project?
- What are the brand names of the windows, doors, etc.?
- How much limestone is going around my foundation?
- Is my garage being back-filled with limestone or dirt?
