Top Ten Questions You Need to Ask When Considering a Contractor

Planning a remodeling project for your home can be an overwhelming undertaking. Topping your ‘to-do’ list is finding the right contractor for the job. Before you start looking, know the top ten questions you need to ask that can save you stress, time and ultimately, money.

Not all contractors are created equal. From experience and availability to the services each one offers, this quick question checklist should give you the information you need to choose the right remodeling firm for your family.

1. What services do you provide? Contractors vary greatly in the services that they offer. Understand the range of services that you are looking for and ensure that you select a contractor that can deliver on those services. Here are some service options:
   • Full Service – these firms typically handle all aspects of the job listed below. You deal with one firm that handles everything from design, to acquisitions of materials, labor, and management of any additional contractors or vendors needed to complete your job.
   • Construction Management - these firms serve as a “master contractor” and subcontract all aspects of the job. These vendor management systems should be documented. Be sure to see samples of documentation that the firm uses to keep the subcontractors accountable as well as samples of the documentation that they will provide to you.
   • Labor Only – these firms provide labor and limited material, the homeowner provides most of the necessary materials. Note that most labor only contractors may coordinate subcontractors, but provide limited subcontractor management.
   • Material Only – these firms supply only the material they sell, they may even include installation, but they do not necessarily include all the necessary labor and material needed to complete the installation. An example would be a contract to supply and install a countertop that does not include removal of the old countertop or the installation of the sink and associated parts and material.
   • Design – these firms specialize in working with you to develop the design specifications and plans to support your project. Ask if the design is done in house or if it is outsourced. Check to determine if the designer assists in the product selection and ask to see sample drawings and documents.
     
     
2. Are you insured? Another common mistake is assuming that all firms have adequate insurance. It’s okay to ask – request an insurance certificate and if you have any doubt about coverage, ask your insurance agent to verify that it is adequate.
   
   
3. Do you have a list of references I can contact? Professional contractors expect to provide references. Never make the mistake of simply reviewing photographs of past work. Ask for a list of past and current customers and let your fingers for the walking! You’ll get a feel for not only their work, but the person that they are.
   
   
4. Are you a member of any professional organizations? Participation in trade organizations ensures the firm you select is part of a larger community of professional and is committed to staying up on the latest trends and methods. Here are just a few to look for:
   1. HBA
   2. Remodeler’s Council
   3. National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
   4. Better Business Bureau
      
      
5. How long have you been in business/serving our community? Experience – many clients make their decision based on the presentation. Dig under the surface to know who will be working on your home.
   1. Years experience of key company members and those working on your home such as:
      • Owner-President
      • Designer
      • Estimators, salespeople
      • Production manager
      • Carpenters
        
        
6. What type of contract do you provide? Feeling comfortable with the contractor is one of the most important parts of a construction relationship, but agreements should be based not only on a handshake but clear written commitment. Make sure to understand what type of agreement the contractor is presenting:
   1. Estimate – the probable cost for the project is presented, but the final bill will be based on actual costs.
   2. Cost Plus – the final price will be based on actual costs plus a percentage for management fees.
   3. Construction Budget – Estimates are included for all expected costs, but final price will be based on the final cost of each item.
   4. Fixed Price – all subcontracts are finalized and a final price presented that will not change unless there are unforeseen circumstances or the client makes change during construction.
      
      
7. Do you offer a construction schedule? Knowing what to expect as well as when and where you can direct questions and accountability is important. Critical items include:
   1. Written Work Schedule: Understand the format that the construction schedule will be presented in, for example, a Gantt chart, a calendar of events or will it be delivered verbally.
   2. Delay Notification: Determine if your agreement includes a commitment for timely communication of delays.
   3. Accountability: Understand what constitutes a reasonable delay and the ramification in the event timeframes are not met by the firm or their subcontractors.
   4. Point of Contact: Be sure to know to whom you direct questions or concerns and their availability.
      
      
8. What are the lines of communication for each phase of your project? Homeowners have expectations but often they are not met. Make sure you know the point of contact and the expected duration for each critical phase of the job and have an understanding of how often and by which means you will communicate.
   1. Design
   2. Pricing
   3. Production
   4. Post-Job Warranty
      
      
9. What are your cleaning policies? It’s your home. Make sure that you understand and can live with the firm’s cleaning policies.
   1. Daily cleaning
   2. Weekly cleaning
   3. Monthly cleaning
   4. End of Project
      
      
10. How much of the job will be subcontracted to other contractors and how will these vendors be managed? Some aspects of your job will be subcontracted to other firms. This can positively impact the quality and efficiency of your project, but if trade contractors are not managed effectively, they can very negatively affect your project.
    1. Scope: understand what aspects of your job will be subcontracted.
    2. Management: determine how subcontracts are managed and the accountability that the firm you hire has for cost and time commitments. For example who absorbs cost overruns and underages.
    3. Access: understand how and when subcontractors will be in your house and how you will be notified.
       
       

At Kaufman Construction we pride ourselves in building not only quality homes but also quality long term customer relationships. Find out for yourself the Kaufman difference, you and your family are worth it!