Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring a Contractor
- Ask yourself if you will be able to develop a good working relationship with the contractor. Even the most well-planned renovation will present unique challenges and unexpected surprises. Does this person strike you as the type who will be reasonable, calm and open to compromise?
- Ask for references and make the time to get and check them. If there is positive feedback out there, it will assist you in deciding who to hire. If there are red flags, heed them and look closer before you sign a contract with this person.
- Ask the contractor to see a couple of completed projects so you can assess their level of workmanship. Look closely at the finishes and small touches – do they reflect an attention to detail?
- Don’t be afraid to ask whether the company you are considering is profitable. You want your contractor to be economically healthy and possess the ability to weather ups and downs in the economy.
- Ask your contractor if he carries a warranty. A warranty not only helps you protect your investment, it also shows that the contractor is not afraid to stand by his product and the work he provided.
- Be sure you have full understanding of the company you will be working with:
- How long has the contractor been in business?
- What types of projects does the company have experience with? Have they completed projects similar to yours in the past?
- How many people are in the company?
- How long have they worked with their plumbers, electricians, plasterers, painters, masons, etc.? How long have these individuals been in their respective fields?
- What is the owner’s role in day-to-day operations? Can you expect to see him frequently on the jobsite?
