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| Remodeling |
Questions to ask potential contractors
Timing and money are the most common questions a home-improvement contractor hears, but during an interview with homeowners when they should be asking about credentials and verifying business practices, what is often heard is, “When can you start? When will it be finished? How much will it cost?”
According to NARI, 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. NARI members offer a list of questions that you should ask.
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 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 to whom you can ask questions.
Proper Planning is Important
For considerably less money than a new home, careful planning of improvement projects will let you update your home, increase the value of your investment and customize your living space. As part of the planning process, look over your property carefully. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like to make? Think ahead and determine your future needs. Professional remodeling contractors can help you in your planning by outlining options and discussing the improvements you can make within your budget. Be sure to review your homeowners insurance policy and make adjustments for the added value of the work being done.
Think About Design and Function
Design and function should be foremost in your mind if you’re thinking of adding a room or converting an existing one. When planning a larger, more complicated project, give thought to details, such as intended use of the space; flow of the space; where you want electrical outlets, telephone jacks and cable hook-ups located; the type of lighting required; your current and future storage needs; and whether you want to include luxury items. These details will enable your home improvement to better suit your needs and your lifestyle.
Timing and money are the most common questions a home-improvement contractor hears, but during an interview with homeowners when they should be asking about credentials and verifying business practices, what is often heard is, “When can you start? When will it be finished? How much will it cost?”
According to NARI, 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. NARI members offer a list of questions that you should ask.
- 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.)
- What is your approach to a project such as this?
- How many similar projects have you completed in the past year?
- Can you provide a list of references from those projects?
- Can you provide a list of business referrals or suppliers?
- What percentage of your business is repeat or by referral?
- 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), 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 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 to whom you can ask questions.
Proper Planning is Important
For considerably less money than a new home, careful planning of improvement projects will let you update your home, increase the value of your investment and customize your living space. As part of the planning process, look over your property carefully. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like to make? Think ahead and determine your future needs. Professional remodeling contractors can help you in your planning by outlining options and discussing the improvements you can make within your budget. Be sure to review your homeowners insurance policy and make adjustments for the added value of the work being done.
Think About Design and Function
Design and function should be foremost in your mind if you’re thinking of adding a room or converting an existing one. When planning a larger, more complicated project, give thought to details, such as intended use of the space; flow of the space; where you want electrical outlets, telephone jacks and cable hook-ups located; the type of lighting required; your current and future storage needs; and whether you want to include luxury items. These details will enable your home improvement to better suit your needs and your lifestyle.
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