Ask the Right Remodeling Questions

(as appearing in September 2000 "Business Monthly")

By Jim Molinelli Ph.D.

 

You would think that interviewing contractors at the beginning of a remodeling project would elicit a barrage of questions from homeowners in light of the many remodeling horror stories that exist. Surprisingly, contractors indicate that typical homeowner questions usually deal with the timing and the cost of the project. While concern over a reasonable timeline is important, it should not be the primary question for your prospective remodeling contractor. Neither should the cost. You should focus on trust and quality. When you find a remodeler who is both reputable and trustworthy, then cost and timeline issues will be much easier to work out.

Homeowners should ask specific questions about a remodeler’s business practices and experience on similar projects. Determine that they have experience on projects of a similar complexity, cost and type. Only once you have selected a particular remodeler do you discuss the start and completion dates and daily schedules. These are some of the many items that professional remodelers typically discussed at a pre-construction meeting.

 

Here are some recommended questions for your prospective remodeling contractors prior to entering into a contract:

 

• How long have you been in business?
• Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?
• Are they on site daily? If not, how often?
• Who is my primary contact during the project?
• Who will be working on the project? (employees or subcontractors?)
• What is your approach to a project such as this? (What happens first, next, and so on.)
• How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?
• Will you provide me with a list of references?
• What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
• What trade associations do you belong to?
• Does your company carry the necessary insurance coverage? (Ask for liability insurance certificate).

 

Remember also to learn from listening! Pay attention to any information that you feel is missing, and note any answers that seem evasive or curious. The remodeler you select will become a part of your daily life. They will be privy to your personal life. They will know how you look early in the morning and how well behaved your dog is. Take some time to carefully select this person and make sure that it is a company that you feel comfortable asking questions of.

 

Remodeling can be a fun experience. You will be building your dream, learning about design and construction along the way. All you need to do is ask questions. Questions that many remodelers don't feel they face often enough.

 

So once you have your project defined, and your budget set, call some professional remodeling contractors and ask the right questions!

 

Sincerely,

M.I.F. Contracting

 

 

 

E-mail: mifgc@email.com