I’m interviewing builders for a new addition to the house. What are the top three questions I should be asking the contractor?
So far I have
(1) Copy of Insurance
(2) 3 References w/ phone numbers
(3) Copy of standard contract
Mike K
Amateur Home Remodeler in Aurora, Illinois
Replies
How about an add-on to #2
3 CURRENT references for jobs in progress or just completed in the last 3-6 months, if possible. It doesn't do you any good if the referal is years old, or one the few "good" jobs he has done in the past 5 years
Add-on to #1
Current cert of workers comp, copy of liablity insurance with $ limits and any local licenses, if needed. And, when the expire.
I know of a roofer that burned down a house(hot mop tank caught fire). His insurance expired 2 weeks before the fire and homeowners insurance wasn't sufficient.
A friend of mine hired a framing contactor and one of his employees got injuried on the job. The employee went after the homeowner. Friend found out later he had just picked up the guy at the local day labor street corner.
How about....
Do they have a good heart?
Are they honest?
Do they care about craftsmanship?
Do they treat people with respect?
Oops! That's four! Seriously, though, start with contractors who have completed quality projects for people you know.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
I wouldn't start with any of those. Ask about his work, first. He'll like to talk about it, and that's what you'll be judging him on anyway. Ask about types of jobs he's done, what type of work he enjoys, how long he's been doing it, how he got into the line of work. Ask how full his schedule is. You could also ask payment terms, budget estimates, etc, but nothing too rigid in the first meeting.
I would not even bother with numbers 1 and 3 in the first meeting. It won't help you decide on who's best, only eliminate some contenders later. After you narrow the contenders down to your first choice, then ask those questions. If the answers are not satisfactory, move on to your next choice.