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.