Over the years, I have collected quite an assortment of reference guides for my clients. Many of them file these 'sheets' in a three ring binder for their reference on future projects . I thought that this blog might be a great way to share some of these reference 'sheets' with you, too!
Just one question remains:
Who is going to do the work?
To help with that selection, here are 10 questions for you to ask any potential contractors or builders.
1. What types of projects do you do? Match your job to the builder. Some contractors may be better at new construction - others at remodeling. Explore pricing as well. A builder that concentrates on million-dollar custom homes may not be the best choice for a modest cottage on a tight budget.
2. Can I see some of your projects? Good builders are proud of their work and enjoy showing it to potential clients. Ask to see photographs of complete projects, and choose someone whose work looks similar to the job you're planning.
3. Can I talk to some of your former clients? Word of mouth is often the best way to find and learn about a builder.
4. Are you licensed and insured? Depending on the state, builders should have a state-issued home builder's license in addition to a local business license. They and their subcontractors also should carry general liability and workman's compensation liability insurance.
5. How long have you been in the business? While longevity isn't a guarantee of quality or reliability, it is an indication that the builder can run a job successfully and satisfy clients.
6. How do you handle callbacks?
You need to hire a builder who is willing to return to the site and fix any building-related problems that may arise - even after the job is finished.
7. How much do you charge? While an experienced builder may be able to give you a rough cost estimate, most really can't give an exact number until you work out plans and specifications.
8. What is your payment schedule? Most professional builders work on a pay-as-you-go basis, receiving partial payments throughout the process. The payments for new construction, also called draws, typically are scheduled as a certain percentage of the total cost when specific stages of construction are completed. Avoid any contractor who wants full payment before starting the job.
1. What types of projects do you do? Match your job to the builder. Some contractors may be better at new construction - others at remodeling. Explore pricing as well. A builder that concentrates on million-dollar custom homes may not be the best choice for a modest cottage on a tight budget.
2. Can I see some of your projects? Good builders are proud of their work and enjoy showing it to potential clients. Ask to see photographs of complete projects, and choose someone whose work looks similar to the job you're planning.
3. Can I talk to some of your former clients? Word of mouth is often the best way to find and learn about a builder.
4. Are you licensed and insured? Depending on the state, builders should have a state-issued home builder's license in addition to a local business license. They and their subcontractors also should carry general liability and workman's compensation liability insurance.
5. How long have you been in the business? While longevity isn't a guarantee of quality or reliability, it is an indication that the builder can run a job successfully and satisfy clients.
6. How do you handle callbacks?
You need to hire a builder who is willing to return to the site and fix any building-related problems that may arise - even after the job is finished.
7. How much do you charge? While an experienced builder may be able to give you a rough cost estimate, most really can't give an exact number until you work out plans and specifications.
8. What is your payment schedule? Most professional builders work on a pay-as-you-go basis, receiving partial payments throughout the process. The payments for new construction, also called draws, typically are scheduled as a certain percentage of the total cost when specific stages of construction are completed. Avoid any contractor who wants full payment before starting the job.
9. With whom will I be working on the jobsite?
Know who your main contact will be. Some builders supervise in person; others use superintendants or foremen to handle day-to-day operations.
10. Do you belong to any type of professional building organization? Professional licensing often is a requirement for membership in a group such as the National Association of Home Builders. Members also are encouraged to attend continuing education program courses, and they often receive professional designations such as Certified Graduate Builder (CGB). Because licensing and membership in this type of organization is an indication of a builder's knowledge and reputability, you're likely to find a good builder through such an organization.
Know who your main contact will be. Some builders supervise in person; others use superintendants or foremen to handle day-to-day operations.
10. Do you belong to any type of professional building organization? Professional licensing often is a requirement for membership in a group such as the National Association of Home Builders. Members also are encouraged to attend continuing education program courses, and they often receive professional designations such as Certified Graduate Builder (CGB). Because licensing and membership in this type of organization is an indication of a builder's knowledge and reputability, you're likely to find a good builder through such an organization.
Have you had a bad experience with a contractor?
