Top 15 Questions to Ask in a Contractor Interview

If you're thinking about remodeling your home, remember to do your homework before signing the contract with a contractor.

Here are a list of the top 15 questions to ask a contractor, to help guide you through selecting the right contractor for your remodel:

1. What professional designations do you have, such as Certified Graduate Remodeler or Certified ‘Aging In Place Specialist?'

2. How do you like to work with clients?
Be sure whether their system or style will work for you.

3. Who is on-site daily to manage the work?

4. How long have you worked with your trade's contractors (i.e. plumbing, electrical, and drywall contractors) and how long have you been in business?
Some builders are one-person companies that hire sub-contractors on an "as needed" basis.

5. How do you screen your trade's contractors?

6. What is your average for on-time/within-budget completion?

7. Can you give me some references of home owners and subcontractors who you've worked for/with in the past, that I can call?
When following these references, evaluate the contractor's professionalism, performance, quality of work, whether the contractor sticks to a quote or comes in way over budget, and whether the project was completed on time. Also, trades contractors can reveal a lot about a building and remodeling contractor, including whether they are good to work for and pay on time -- this speaks volumes about the contractor's business practices and integrity.

8. Can I see photos of your completed projects?

9. Do you warranty your work?

10. What can I expect in terms of the disruption to my daily life and for how long?

11. Have you had any complaints filed against you with the state attorney general's office or BBB?
Don't forget to check with these organizations to verify the clean record.

12. Are you licensed and may I have copies of your insurance certificates for worker's comp and liability insurance?

13. What out-of-pocket costs am I responsible for, such as permits, utility hook-ups, and builder's risk insurance?

14. Can you give me a timeline of what happens when (the order of steps and length of each step?)

15. If we select your firm, what happens next and when do I owe money?

Find more contractor tips here- Renovate vs. Selling in a Buyer's Market.

Home Remodeling Etiquette Tips

So you’ve decided to remodel? Exciting for you, but how do your neighbors feel about it? Homeowners need to remember that neighbors may not feel quite as thrilled with the project as they are. Find out how you can make peace with your neighbors during your remodel.

Remember: While remodeling, be a good neighbor

1) Take a moment to inform the neighborhood of their plans, length of construction time and who will be doing the remodeling job.

2) Let neighbors know well in advance about your remodeling plans and keep them apprised of progress, detail by detail.

3) Tell neighbors when work will begin, the approximate completion date, what work will be done and whether workers might have to come onto their property.

4) Make sure noisy power tools are only used during standard business hours. Reasonable hours are weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

5) Inform your neighbors of any large trucks entering the neighborhood and ask subcontractors to park on one side of the street only.

6) Try your best to have materials dropped off in your driveway or yard rather than the street, and keep your yard as tidy as possible.

7) Watch for debris that might find its way onto your neighbors' yards, especially if a roofing project is involved.

7) Remove dumpsters as quickly as possible. If you have room left in your last dumpster, invite neighbors to dump anything they might have lurking in their garage that needs tossing.

Read more about Remodeling Etiquette.

HomeSavvi: New and Improved

Within the next few weeks, we’ll be updating HomeSavvi’s website with a new design and features! You’ll be able to ask your remodeling questions to local remodeling professionals, find remodeling products and stores more easily, and share your remodeling projects with friends and family.

Here’s a sneak peak of what’s coming next:



Let us know what you think!

It's Easy Being Green - Green Remodeling Tips

So you’re sold on building or remodeling “green,” but you don’t know where to start? If you’re thinking of just upgrading a few appliances or swapping out your old light bulbs for more energy-efficient brands, simply shop for models with high Energy Star ratings. Your local appliance stores should be able to steer you toward energy-efficient products, but for a guide to stores that carry Energy Star appliances, look to www.energystar.gov/ for the latest listings.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, however, and a complete green overhaul on a room or rooms is in your future, look no further than Built Green. Built Green, the environmentally-friendly, nonprofit, residential building program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, can help pave the way with easy-to-understand rating systems, which quantify environmentally-friendly building and remodeling practices. Built Green can help you find a contractor or remodeler who will utilize green practices throughout your home for a healthier, more energy-efficient living environment.

Typically comprising 10 to 25 percent of the exterior wall area of new homes, research shows that heat gain and loss through windows accounts for up to 50 percent of a home's heating and cooling needs. High-performance windows reduce utility bills by keeping heat loss to a minimum, reduce fading of curtains, furniture, and flooring by blocking harmful UV rays, and can even make your house quieter by insulating your home from outside noise.

Energy-efficient appliances such as clothes and dishwashers use between 10 and 50 percent less energy than their standard counterparts, and can be a great investment that leads to lower electricity and water bills.

Basement Remodeling Ideas

Even with a slowing economy, basement remodeling has grown within the past year. Within their new report, "Trends and Opportunities in the U.S. Basement Remodeling Market", market research publisher SBI's forecasts the basement finishing market grow 5% in 2008 to $23.3 billion, and subsequently at a steady 7% through 2012 to $30.6 billion.

The basement offers an option for extra living space, especially as an alternative to buying a new house. Converting the basement into a media room, bedroom, or office space can dramatically increase the home's living space and value.

Featured Basement Photos from HomeSavvi member, Architectural & Interior Designer Nia Collins:

http://homesavvi.com/image/basement-tv-cabinet
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http://homesavvi.com/image/basement-game-table

Home Show Thursdays- 2009 Madison Home Expo

Madison Home Expo 2009

When: January 9 - 11, 2009
Where: Monona Terrace Convention Center- Exhibition Hall and Ballroom
One John Nolen Drive
Madison, WI 53703
Time & Date: Friday 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Adults $5.00
Children Under 18 FREE

Website: http://www.homeshowcenter.com/show.php?show=madison

Home Show Thursdays- 2009 Pittsburgh Remodeling Expo

Pittsburgh Remodeling Expo

When: January 9 - 11, 2009
Where: David Lawrence Convention Center, Halls D & E
1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3899
Time & Date: Friday 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Adults $5.00
Children Under 18 FREE

Website: http://www.homeshowcenter.com/show.php?show=pittsburgh

Home Show Thursdays- 2009 Seattle Home Building and Remodeling Expo

Seattle Home Building and Remodeling Expo

When: January 2 - 4, 2009
Where: Washington State Convention Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, WA 98101-2350
Time & Date: Friday 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Cost: Adults $6.00
Children Under 18 FREE

Website: http://www.homeshowcenter.com/show.php?show=seattle

Home Show Thursdays- 2009 Minneapolis Home and Landscape Expo

Minneapolis Home and Landscape Expo

When: January 2-4 & 9-11, 2009
Where: Hubert H. Humphery Metrodome
900 South 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Time & Date: Fridays 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturdays 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sundays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost: Adults $6.00
Children Under 18 FREE

Website: http://www.homeshowcenter.com/show.php?show=minneapolismet

Home Show Thursdays- 2009 Louisville Build, Renovate and Landscape Expo

Louisville Build, Renovate and Landscape Expo

When: January 9 - 11, 2009
Where: Kentucky International Convention Center, Hall C
221 Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Time & Date: Friday 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost: Adults $5.00
Children Under 18 FREE

Website: http://www.homeshowcenter.com/show.php?show=louisville

Home Show Thursdays- 2008 Contra Costa Fall Home and Garden Show

Contra Costa Fall Home and Garden Show

When: November 7-9, 2008
Where: Sleep Train Pavilion, Concord
2000 Kirker Pass Road
Concord, CA 94521
Time & Date: Fri., Nov. 7, 12-6 p.m., Sat., Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: $6

Website: http://www.capitalshowcase.com

Home Show Thursdays- 2009 Colorado Springs Home Building and Remodeling Show

Colorado Springs Home Building and Remodeling Show

When: January 9 - 11, 2009
Where: Norris-Penrose Event Center
1045 W Rio Grande
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Time & Date: Friday 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Adults $4.00
Children Under 18 FREE

Website: http://www.homeshowcenter.com/show.php?show=coloradosprings1

Home Show Thursdays- 2008 Mid-Atlantic Home, Remodeling & Interior Design Show

Mid-Atlantic Home, Remodeling & Interior Design Show

When: November 7-9, 2008
Where: Virginia Beach Convention Center
1000 19th Street
Virginia Beach VA 23451
(800) 700-7702
Time: November 7-8 Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., November 9 Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost: Admission is $8 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Military guests and senior citizens receive a $2 discount. Bring your Cox Communications bill on Friday, Nov. 7 and receive a two-for-one admission rate. Only one discount applies. Parking is free.

Website: http://www.tbaonline.org/homeshows/2008/2008HRIDS/

2008 Seattle Home Show 2 - Home Show Tips for Visitors

HomeSavvi was at the 2008 Seattle Home Show 2, at Qwest Field Event Center from October 16–19, 2008. Some of the highlights of the show were the free hourly seminars ("Going Green Without the Greenbacks" presented by Eleanor Olsen, Total Spaces Design, Member of NKBA), the amazing kitchen and bath exhibits, and wide array of new green products. One product that particularly stood out was the impressive and modern Divine™ ExactTemp 3/4" Vertical Spa Set, in Lighting Universe's booth.

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Seattle Home Show Visitors- Savvi Tips

Savvi Tip #1: Future Seattle Home Show visitors- buy your tickets online. E-ticket holders may have certain offers, coupons, or discounts that you can't have if you buy your ticket at the door. For example, the previous spring Seattle Home Show e-ticket holders received a free chowder voucher, while Seattle Home Show 2 e-ticket holders received free parking for Thursday and Friday at the Qwest Field Event Center parking lot (a $10 value).

Savvi Tip #2: You can register for an additional day without cost. It's called the “Too much to see, come back for free.™” feature, which allows show visitors to register their ID at the show so that they can visit for a second day. This comes in handy, especially if you would like to get more information about a product or show your spouse remodeling plan ideas at a later time.

Savvi Tip #3: Be aware of any other perks or promotions that you can take advantage of by visiting the Seattle Home Show media portion, "Facts at a Glance". One little known perk at the Seattle Home Show 2 was that with four or more people in a vehicle, parking was free in designated lots.

For the inside scoop on home remodeling events, guides and trends, visit HomeSavvi for all your home remodeling needs. HomeSavvi- Your Home for Home Remodeling.