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If you're hiring a contractor to do repairs or renovations in your house, you'll want to make sure that he or she can do the job. Here is a list of questions you can ask to garner essential information before making your choice.
1. Does the contractor have appropriate experience for the renovation? Approximately 80 percent of today’s builders are trained exclusively in new construction techniques, and they “pick up” experience with existing structures along the way. If a renovation involves work on an existing home—and especially if you live in a historic district or historic home—make sure the contractor has the right experience so that your home does not become a learning laboratory for the contractor.
2. Has the contractor worked with the architect or other skilled workers on previous jobs? A contractor with a proven history of good communication with the project’s architect can help get the renovation done in a timely manner.
3. Can you communicate effectively with the contractor? You will find yourself dealing directly with the contractor throughout the course of your project. If the contractor dismisses questions or comments with a “Sure, sure, I know what you want,” beware. A discussion with the contractor’s former clients about the contractor’s ability to communicate may be in order.
4. Does the contractor have experience with your type of home? Specifications for home construction are very different from commercial construction. Make sure the contractor has a thorough knowledge of local building and safety codes. Ask to tour some projects the contractor has completed. Look especially at the quality of trim work details, which often reveals the overall handiwork and attention to finer points.
5. How soon can the contractor get started, and how much time will he or she have to complete the project? You may find the perfect contractor only to discover there are several clients already on the waiting list and work cannot start for months. Or perhaps the contractor has several jobs scheduled three weeks from now, and your renovation will take at least six weeks to complete. You must decide if you want that contractor’s services badly enough to wait for the repairs or renovation to begin.
6. Does the contractor guarantee the work? A good contractor will want to do the utmost to ensure your satisfaction with the repair or renovation work. Ask what kind of guarantees the contractor offers on the kinds of work to be done on your home.
You will also want to find out how the contractor expects to be paid. There are three main types of approaches to renovation and repair fees:
1. Guaranteed maximum price (GMP). The contractor states the maximum price that the project will cost and guarantees the project within that cost.
2. Bid or stipulated-sum. A fixed price is given for a defined scope of work. Cost savings on the job goes to the contractor and changes to the original plan are charged to you.
3. Cost-plus-fixed fee contract approach. All actual invoices are submitted to you and you pay the labor and material costs plus a flat fee.
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