Everyone talks about interviewing three contractors and checking their references. What are you supposed to ask them, anyway?

 

These questions are designed to help you find out more about the business, management, and ethical background of a contractor. While state and local laws differ in terms of licensing, bonding, etc., these question should cover most situations.

 

You don’t have to ask all the questions -- just tailor this list to your own situation. However, ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable. Also:

 

·         Weigh all the information as a whole. One negative issue in a contractor's past does not necessarily mean trouble, but a pattern of lying or misrepresentation could.

·         Focus on the contractor’s response to the questions. Any reputable contractor should be happy to answer questions about his/her business and provide details about past work and customers. You're putting a large investment into your home and should feel comfortable with the person providing the services.

·         Verify all information, such as association memberships, insurance coverage, etc.

 

Business

1.            How long have you been in business?

2.            Is your business a corporation or sole proprietorship? Who are the principals?

3.            Where is your office address?(Be wary of anyone using only a post office box!)

4.            Is your company a member of the Better Business Bureau, the local Chamber of Commerce, a local union, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry or the National Association of Home Builders? 

5.            Is your business registered with a state regulatory agency or our local municipality (where required)?

6.            Have you done work in my town before? (Verify with municipal planning or zoning officials)

7.            Have you ever had disciplinary action filed against you by any state or local agency or a home owner? Why and how was it resolved?

8.            Have you been doing business under a different name in this state or any other? Why?

9.            Have you had lawsuits filed against you regarding this business?

10.        Have you ever declared bankruptcy?

11.        What type of insurance do you carry and what are the dollar limits? May I call you agent to verify this coverage?

 

Employees/Subcontractors

 

12.        Do you have employees or use subcontractors?

13.        What are your requirements for hiring them?

14.        How long have your employees/subcontractors been working for you?

15.        If you have employees, do you carry worker's compensation insurance (often required by the state)?

16.        How do you handle a situation when a worker calls in sick or can't work? Where do you find workers to fill in?

17.        Have any of your workers been injured on a home owner's property? Whose insurance covered the claim?

         

 

Training/Skills

 

18.   How long have you been working as a general contractor/carpenter, etc.?

19.   Are you a member of a local or state union (where relevant)?

20.   How did you learn your skill? What is your level of skill in this area? Do you have any certifications?

21.   What is the most complicated job you have done using those skills?

22.   How did that job turn out?

23.   How often do you take classes and attend seminars to expand and refresh your skills (On the job training is very common in construction fields, but someone who takes the time to take additional classes and training may have additional skills. Additional business training also is important if the contractor is running the business and overseeing employees and payroll issues)

         

Management

 

24.              How often do you communicate with your customers as the job is progressing?

25.              How quickly could I reach you in an emergency?

26.              Who fills in for you when you are not available?

27.              How often would we be able to walk through the job? How much notice would you need?

28.              Describe your approach to problem solving/resolving complaints regarding workers, materials, quality of job?

29.              Do you issue lien waivers? (Insist that they do!) How is this handled?

30.              How do you approach cleaning the job site daily? at the end of major stages of work?

31.              What safety issues do you consider when leaving the job at the end of the day?

32.              We have children/pets. What advice can you offer for making this less stressful for them?

33.              How much time will you spend on our job each week, either on site or in planning?

         

References

 

34.              How many jobs do you currently have going? How many workers are used to manage those jobs?

35.              How many jobs do you typically handle at once?

36.              I'd like the name of 3 references who had similar projects completed in the last year and one who's was completed two years ago.

37.              Can you give me the names of two suppliers that you have worked with regularly? (lumber yard, plumbing supply store, electricians)

38.              Do you have any legal action against you related to your work? Have you had any since being in business?

39.              What negative things would your worst customer say about you?

40.              Tell me about a customer who was unsatisfied and how the situation was resolved.