Published January 2003

Questions to ask when choosing a contractor

By Gary Hartz
Guest Columnist

The major cause of remodel delays and budget overages today is communication.

I have been in the kitchen design business for more than 20 years, hearing the horror stories about the remodel project gone bad or never completed.

Typically, a portion of the problem comes from clients not knowing what to expect on their project as well as the contractor not taking the time to explain it.

So, is selecting the correct contractor easy? No, but knowing what to ask during the interview will reduce the likelihood of enduring a very negative remodeling experience.

No. 1 — References
References are great, but what remodeling contractor would give you a list of his worst jobs? If these don’t check out, then you can successfully stop there and save the headaches. Questions to ask the references:

• “Does he show up when he says he will?” We all experience days when we just can’t get things rolling for some reason. In general, does the contractor show up or call when he can’t make it?
• “How long does it take for the contractor to return a call?” Here, again, keep in mind that when you call, the contractor may have a hammer in one hand while hanging from a high-pitch roof by a rope. I doubt if he or she will drop everything to answer the phone. It is not unreasonable to give the contractor, at minimum, until that evening or even 24 hours to return calls. You will appreciate this when the contractor is on your project and not stopping to take every call that vibrates his belt.

No. 2 — Contractor’s present project
Ask if you can speak and visit with the clients from the contractor’s present project.

Here, you will find out what to expect. The clients should be asked to rate the contractor’s performance on progress and work ethic. You should be able to visit a current job site, as well, to investigate the work being done in progress.

No. 3 — Personal work
How much of the project will your contractor be doing personally? Will there be a project manager or someone you can contact in case of emergency?

This information may vary with the size of the project. Keep in mind that if the contractor is doing a large addition, he or she will need help. Who will that be? Are they qualified subcontractors?

No. 4 — Subcontractors
How many subcontractors will be used, and how long has the contractor worked with them? For security reasons alone, it would be nice to know who will be on the premises. Qualified subs should have adequate insurance and bond coverage, plus a legal business license.

No. 5 — Project length
What is the contractor’s estimate of the project length? I use the word “estimate” because remodeling is an inexact science at best. No matter how long you have been in this business, there are always surprises when you open walls and floors. This does not even take into account the possible sick days or accidents.

The contractor should, from experience, be able to give you a good idea of how long it should take. Be sure to let the contractor know about any time-sensitive issues you have that may affect the work schedule, as well as the overall end-date goal.

No. 6 — Specifications (the devil is in the details)
Have you or the contractor written down the work that is to be performed and the materials to be used?

A perfect example is your idea of a new back door being a solid-wood, all-insulated glass door with 15 real divided lights to be stained to match the existing moldings of your home. The contractor may have priced in a solid steel fire door. Specifications solidify the project for both of you and avoid misunderstandings and costly delays.

Typically, time is money in the remodeling world, as most contracts are sold on a time and materials basis. The more organized you are at the start of the project, the less time (and money) your contractor and installers will have to spend in the end. Your contractor should have adequate systems in place to produce your job efficiently and, generally, within the estimated time frame.

Communications, both written and verbal, are critical to a successful remodel.

Gary Hartz is the senior designer at Emerald Design Inc., a design and remodeling business in Everett. He has more than 20 years of design experience, having trained under Chabert Duval in Cherlan Cersan, France, and New York. He also teaches design and remodeling classes through the Everett Parks and Recreation Department. He can be reached by calling 425-258-2600 or sending e-mail to gary@greatremodels.com.

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