Now you must decide which one candidate is best for your project. Make copies of the handy Contractor Selection Checklist in the Printable Forms section, located at the front of the book. This will help you make comparisons to determine the right contractor to select.

Besides necessary licensing and insurance (including Worker’s Compensation), possible health factors are also important. For instance, are there any health-related issues that could delay things once the project is underway?

Because you will have to deal with the contractor throughout project completion, expertise in the required field isn’t the only thing to look for during the interview. How was eye contact? Did the contractor sound confident in his or her ability to complete the job; did they take time to thoroughly answer any questions you had?

Are they the type of person you would feel comfortable with, working in and around your home? Having contact with you and your family on a nearly daily basis?

How receptive were they to your ideas? Did they have the attitude, “I’m the expert…I don’t need your suggestion!” If so, perhaps the contractor isn’t right for you. After all, it is your home; you will be the one living with any changes made.

You will also be the one paying for work performed. You have a right to expect that the completed project will meet your expectations. And that the quality of work will measure up to your standards.

Final Tips

While interviewing contractors, remember; working together will be a two-way street. During the interview, the contractor will be measuring you up as a possible client. It is important for you to adhere to some standards, too.

Be thorough about your wants and expectations; be willing to meet the contractor halfway for the purpose of project success. And, have a clear picture of what you want. If you’ve prepared project plans carefully, there won’t be the risk of you changing your mind 10 times in mid stream, once work has already begun. Causing the contractor to become frustrated, adding further expense to the project, and delaying completion time unnecessarily.

< The Interviewing Process   |   The Work Contract >

The Comprehensive Guide to Home Renovations