Questions Every Contractor Wishes You Would Ask



You've spent countless hours dreaming about the day when you would finally transform your kitchen or bathroom to mirror the modern display at your local home improvement store. Or perhaps the time has come to launch a remodeling project with an eye toward getting your home in top shape so you can place it on the market.

If you're one of the 26 million homeowners who makes improvements to their homes in a given year, then you should heed the wisdom of professional contractors, who say that most people who seek professional help ask the wrong questions in their search for a contractor.

While it's important to known "when can you start," "when will you finish," and "how much," there are other questions homeowners should ask.

NARI -- the National Association of the Remodeling Industry -- recommends that you ask these questions in your search for a contractor:

• How long have you been in business?

• Who will be the project supervisor?

• Will employees or subcontractors be working on the project?

• Does the company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?

• How will you approach this project?

• How many similar projects have you completed?

• How much repeat and referral business do you have?

• Are you certified in remodeling or do you hold any special training or education?

• May I have a list of references related to those projects?

Once you receive a list of references, NARI suggests asking them questions such as:

• Were you able to communicate easily with the remodeler?

• Did the remodeler and crew show up on time?

• Was the job done on schedule?

• Was the contract fulfilled?

• Did the remodeler stay in contact throughout the project?

• Were you pleased with the outcome (you may even ask to see the final product)?

• Would you use the remodeler again?

As well, of course, price is a matter to discuss. Not only how much, but also the details of what you will get for your money.

You need the details because otherwise you may well get both a low price and a poor value. For instance, it's easy to offer a low price by using materials of lesser quality or workers who lack training, experience, and insurance.

Ask if your project requires a license from local officials. If yes, who gets the license -- you or the contractor?

And about insurance -- if a contractor has appropriate coverage there should be evidence you can see, such as a copy of the right paperwork attached with the contractor's bid for your project.

Get commitments and information on paper before making a contracting commitment. A good source for remodeling specialists is your local real estate broker. Brokers see homes in the community and know who has quality improvements -- and often who did the improving. As well, because homes are often improved prior to marketing, brokers know local contractors who have proven reliable in the past.