How to Interview a Contractors References Planning a remodeling project or an addition to a house is a big job and may require a contractor. Before hiring one just by his Yellow Page ad, it is a good idea to interview him and attempt to get an idea of what his work ethics are, they quality of work he does and who dependable or reliable he may be.
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You will want to start this quest by interviewing potential contractors. Invite him over to look at the plan, get an idea of what he thinks the job will entail, how long he thinks the job will take and ask him for names of previous clients so you may check his references. A reputable contractor will have no problem supplying these references or answering any of your questions.
While interviewing the contractor, you will want to have a list of questions to ask him that are pertinent to the job you are asking him to perform. A list of questions will follow this article.
If references are supplied, check them out. Are these simply family members who agreed to serve as references? To find out you may have to do some investigating. Request names of previous clients who have had work done that is comparable to what you are planning. Drive by these locations and look at the finished product from the outside. If you can find, or are provided with a phone number, call and question the reference about the contractors ability to perform the work, the quality of work and if he is reliable.
Some of the following questions may be helpful in you interview:
· Does the contractor maintain quality throughout the project?
· Is he trustworthy?
· Does he have competitive rates?
· Does he listen to your wants and needs?
Along with these questions, you will also want to get answers to other questions such as:
1. Are you pleased with the service and work you received from this contractor?
2. Were you comfortable with the contractor and his crew being in your home?
3. Were the workers and contractor on time as promised each day?
4. Were there delays in the completion of the project?
5. Did you experience any additional costs that were unexpected after the project began?
6. Would you recommend this contractor to a family member or friend? Why or why not?
7. Was the contractor flexible in allowing you to do some of the work to save on costs?
8. Was he supportive in allowing you to purchase some of the materials used?
9. How well did the contractor handle problems, delays or mistakes?
10. Were the contractor and his crew helpful by cleaning up the work area at the end of the day?
11. Were you happy with the quality of materials the contractor used?
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