The Interviewing Process

As you meet with each candidate, ask questions and gather as much information as possible. It is a good idea to use a checklist when interviewing each contractor to ensure each aspect of the interview has been covered.

For your convenience, a printable “Contractor Reference Checklist” form has been included in the Printable Forms section at the front of this book.

• Verification or visual proof of current licenses, insurance coverage, and bonding.
• List of references; especially recent projects.
• Contractor’s experience with projects similar to yours.
• The contractor’s detailed, itemized quote that includes labor, materials, permits, and any other costs; in addition to projected hours that will be spent each week working on your project, and start and finish dates.
• List of possible substitute materials if there are problems obtaining the original.
• Contractor warranties on materials and workmanship.
• Frequency that contractor will be onsite to supervise workers and sub-contractors.
• Whether or not the contractor will be working on other projects simultaneously with your own; if so, the amount of time each week that will be devoted to your project.

Spending time discussing these things with each candidate gives you a chance to evaluate their demeanor. Ask if they have any projects in progress. If so, ask to visit the job site; to observe their work style, workmanship, and how well they interact with others.

Before making your final selection, thoroughly check all references and credentials. If you don’t use the printable Contractor Reference Checklist located at the front of the book when contacting references, use the checklist below as a guideline as to what type questions to ask:

• Customer’s name.
• Date contacted.
• What work did this customer have done?
• When was the work completed?
• Did the customer consider other contractors before hiring this one?
• If yes, why was this contractor chosen?
• What responsibilities did the contractor have for this project?
• What was the best aspect of working with this contractor?
• Did the customer have problems with any aspect of the contractor’s work or service?
• Do they recommend this contractor?
• If they needed additional work done would they hire this contractor again?

In addition, ask how the contractor performed in the following areas:

• Workmanship
• Kept on budget
• Kept on schedule
• Kept work site clean and organized
• Communicated progress
• Provided good advice and suggestions
• Resolved any problems satisfactorily
• Was easy to talk and work with
• Delivered what was promised

Finally, check with the local building authority to ensure there are no legitimate complaints or violations on record against the contractor.

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The Comprehensive Guide to Home Renovations