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Most Asked Questions of Contractors
Contractors share the short list of questions they are usually asked by
homeowners and offer a list of questions they recommend you ask.
You would think that launching an entire remodeling project would spark a
truckload of questions from wary homeowners who have heard the horror stories
surrounding the world of remodeling. Surprisingly, though, qualified contractors admit they aren't
asked enough questions!
"Timing and money are about the extent of the questions we hear," says John
Stanforth of John Stanforth Construction, a member of the Miami Valley NARI
Chapter in Ohio. "During an interview with a homeowner when homeowners should be
asking about my credentials and verifying my business practices all I hear is:
when can you start? when will it be finished? and how much will it cost?"
These simply aren't enough. Yes, timing may be "everything" in comedy, but that
certainly isn't the case when it comes to remodeling. If you are going to have a
successful remodeling project, you need to learn the right questions to ask and
how to ask them.
When a group of NARI contractors were asked what questions homeowners asked most
frequently, the group unanimously agreed that their most popular queries were:
- When can you start?
- When will you be finished?
- What time will you knock on my door each morning?
- What time will you quit for the day?
- Are you going to work everyday?
- Can you finish before (insert any major holiday or significant family
event)?
- How much will it cost per square foot?
Unfortunately, these are not the type of questions that are going to tell you
much about a particular contractor.
"While a reasonable timetable is important," says Stanforth, "it shouldn't be
the primary focus of an interview or a job - neither should budget. Homeowners
should be focusing on trust and quality. If you find someone who is reputable
and trustworthy, the budget and timeline will fall into place."
He recommends homeowners start by asking questions about a company's business
practices and experience in a similar type of project. If you decide you want to
hire a particular contractor, then you can discuss when he or she can start,
what time he or she can knock on your door each morning and when you will have
your home to yourselves again. These are all items that can be discussed at a
pre-construction meeting.
Here are some questions NARI members recommend you ask before signing a
remodeling contract:
- How long have you been in business?
- Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?
- Who will be working on the project? Are they employees or
subcontractors?
- Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?
(Always verify this information by calling the agency. A copy of an
insurance certificate does not let you know if the policy is still current.
Even if the certificate has an expiration date. you cannot tell if the
insurance has been canceled by either party. If licensing is required in
your state also ask if the contractor is licensed and call to verify
compliance with the law. Not all states offer or require licensing. Check
with your local or state government agencies.)
- What is your approach to a project such as this?
- How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?
- May I have a list of reference from those projects?
- May I have a list of business referrals or suppliers?
- What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
- Are you a member of a national trade association?
- Have you or your employees been certified in remodeling or had any
special training or education, such as earning a Certified Remodeler (CR),
Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS) or Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC) or
Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR) designation?
It's also important to realize that sometimes it's not the answers you get that
are significant, but what you don't get. Asking the right questions is not
enough. You need to pay attention to your instincts and to what information is
missing.
Unlike your accountant or stockbroker, your remodeler will be a part of your
daily life and available for some on-the-job education. He or she will be privy
to your personal life, more so than your doctor or lawyer. Your contractor will
know how you look early in the morning and how well behaved your dog is. It
makes sense that you should take some time to carefully select this person and
make sure that it is someone you can ask questions of.
Once you do find that person, you can get down to asking the more interesting
questions like: What exactly is a sleeper and a cricket? What do alligators have
to do with painting? And what do aprons have to do with remodeling?
Remodeling can be a fun experience. You get to create your dream room or home
and learn a little about design and building along the way. All you need to do
is ask questions. Questions that qualified remodelers don't feel they are
getting enough of. So tap into your curiosity and ask away.
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