Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Contractor
The contractor you hire will play a very important role in the quality of your home’s construction/remodel. A wise homeowner conducts shrewd negotiations with the contractor, to save themselves the trouble that might be caused later. To help you with your negotiations, here are some essential questions that you should ask of your contractor, before you complete your agreement.
What will be the exact timeline of the project?
Contractors are notorious for delaying jobs, which makes this the most pertinent question that you should ask your contractor. You must have a proper time frame in your mind about the project. Ask your contractor clearly if he is available in that time frame or not and leave no ambiguities on the point. Also, make sure to clarify if he will be at construction site himself or if one of his subordinates will be present? Moreover, discuss the best mode of communication between you and the contractor. You will find that most of the problems, which arise during the construction job, can be solved with timely communication.
How much will the whole project cost and will there be any additional expenses?
The contractor that you have selected will surely give you an estimate of expenditures for the entire project. But that estimate contains approximations and assumptions. If you trust that estimate, that you will surely end up regretting your decision. Instead, ask your contractor to give you a realistic expense estimate, so you can plan your finances accordingly.
How much experience do you have with projects like these?
Even if your contractor is a reasonable and well reputed one, you still should inquire about his previous experience in similar jobs. You can also ask him about the experience and expertise of his workers, so you can have your peace of mind about the quality of the work that you will be receiving.
Do you have all the proper licenses and paperwork?
This is a vague question, but it can be made specific depending on the contractor and the type of project you are undertaking. Make it your priority to completely check all the paper work, before starting the construction.
Can you foresee any major problems in the construction project?
An experienced contractor will be able to predict any issues that may crop up during the construction or remodeling. Ideally, you should ask for a solution for such an issue immediately or you can choose to follow the advice the contractor offers, if it is acceptable.
Constructing or remodeling a home is not only a financial investment, but also an investment of your time and effort. So, you have to make the best possible decision, when selecting a contractor, because the quality of living space is at stake, so question everything!