Hiring a handyman is one of the most important steps in any home improvement project. Whether you’re renovating the kitchen in your San Diego home or finishing the basement in your Portland home, the right contractor will get your project done on time and on budget. Choosing the wrong method can result in delays, unexpected costs, and substandard work.
This Redfin real estate article will help you know what important questions to ask to protect your investment and avoid big unexpected costs before signing a contract.
Questions to ask a home improvement contractor
When interviewing home service providers, be sure to compare apples-to-apples. A lower price for a particular service may be appealing, but if the company isn’t licensed or doesn’t count on you to process permit applications for the work, you won’t get a better deal.
To ensure you hire the right company, ask the following questions of each home improvement contractor you interview.
1. When did you start working in this industry? When was your company founded?
Find out how much experience the company owner, foreman, and the company as a whole have with the job you need to do. Also, don’t write off a relatively new company too quickly. If your staff has extensive experience working in your industry, either for other companies or as independent contractors, you probably won’t have any major problems.
That being said, be wary of startups. Setting up and running a contracting business is no easy task, and there are likely to be some hiccups as team members learn to communicate and work together. For example, if you’re impressed with a newly established roofing company, it may be best to hire them for minor repairs at first rather than a complete replacement. You can also ask for references to check the quality of your work.
2. Could I see your insurance card?
Most state-required licenses can be found online, but valid general liability (and workers’ compensation, if required by the state) can be more difficult to verify. A reputable contractor will have this documentation on hand and will be happy to show you it.
3. Who is your main contact at work?
If you have questions or concerns, know who to contact. This is usually the project manager or foreman. In some cases, it’s the owner of the company. Ask how the person would like to be contacted and how quickly they will get back to you.
4. Will you do all the necessary work to ensure that the completed project meets local standards?
Major construction work, such as major renovations or structural additions, typically involves permits and inspections. Contractors should not rely on you to apply for the appropriate permits or schedule necessary inspections. All of this should be done by the company. Work that isn’t properly permitted or inspected can lead to big (and pretty expensive) problems down the road, especially if you’re trying to sell your home.
5. Who will do the job?
You’ll need to clarify whether your contractor uses subcontractors or company employees for payroll purposes, and whether you can expect the same people to work on your home every day. Most home service providers have multiple staff members who can take on multiple jobs at once. So be sure to clarify whether the work will be handled by the same team from start to finish.
If the company you hire uses subcontractors, ask for their business information. Subcontractors must have valid general liability, workers’ compensation insurance if applicable, and state-required licenses for the work they perform. Your contractor should be able to explain to you how they vet subcontractors.
6. How can I prevent damage to my home and garden?
Contractors must be proactive in taking steps to ensure that they do not cause damage to your property. Depending on the work being done, this may include having workers wear shoe covers, using plastic sheeting to control dust levels in the home, covering floors with protective materials, and protecting landscaping with tarps.
7. How are payments processed?
You need to know what the total cost of the project will be, the type of payment the contractor expects, and the intervals at which payments need to be made.
It is not uncommon for most large projects to require an initial down payment, typically one-third to one-half of the total project cost. Some contractors require payment at the midpoint of the project and a final payment upon completion of the work, while others require payment of the balance only after the project is finished.
Another important detail to be clear with your contractor is how changes in the cost of the work or budget will be handled. Be honest and upfront about whether there is room for change in your budget and how you would like to communicate to the company any additional costs.
Conversations about money and business practices can be a little awkward, but the contractor shouldn’t be surprised or offended by your questions. A good contractor will see you as a partner in their work and will appreciate the opportunity to share information and put you at ease.
“Poor communication skills are a big red flag, as is lateness or lack of immediacy to pre-scheduled meetings,” advises Rob Wishneski, owner of Five Points Construction. “Contractors who offer a price ‘on the spot’ at the first meeting or rely on high-pressure sales tactics should give homeowners pause before signing a contract.”
8. Can I review the contract before singing?
Never rely on verbal agreements.
A written contract must clearly explain:
Scope of Work Materials and Specifications Schedule Payment Terms Warranty Details
“Contract details, or lack of clear contract details, often result in both homeowners and contractors making assumptions that don’t match up,” says Rob. “Detailed proposals and contracts greatly limit the likelihood that such an assumption will hold true.” Take the time to review the documents carefully and ask for clarification if anything is unclear.
Communication tips to help your home renovation project go smoothly
Keep these communication tips in mind when communicating with contractors. Also, if you don’t feel comfortable talking to a housing provider due to personality differences or other reasons, you may need to continue your search. Lack of communication is at the root of many problems homeowners experience with their housing service providers. Remember, your contractor should be proactive in alerting you to any issues that arise regarding the schedule, cost, and other details of the job, but you should also be upfront about any special requests or if you notice problems with the job.
1. Voice your requests and expectations.
If you have specific requests or expectations, communicate them to your contractor as soon as possible. The best way to ensure your message gets through is to speak directly with the contractor and then follow up the conversation with a text message or email summarizing the conversation.
2. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page.
Before work begins and throughout the project, make sure you and your partner are kept up-to-date on the work your staff will be doing, the approximate timeline, and any requests made by either you or your partner. This will avoid delays and misunderstandings between you, your partner, and your crew.
3. Establish a regular check-in frequency before starting the job.
For example, setting a weekly day when you can expect updates from your contractor can help prevent miscommunication. Consult with your contractor regarding the best medium for this update. Some contractors prefer to call you right away, while others send you an email or text message.
4. Pause work if communication is lost.
If miscommunication (or complete lack of communication) with a contractor or worker begins to affect your work or cause extra stress, don’t hesitate to request that the work be stopped. Take the time to meet with your contractor face-to-face to clear up any misunderstandings and make sure everyone is on the same page. While this temporary detour may be frustrating for everyone involved, it is far more effective to address issues as they arise rather than waiting until the project is complete.
conclusion
Home maintenance and renovation projects can make your home more efficient, functional, and comfortable, and can significantly increase its market value. Hiring the right contractor is one of the best ways to take care of your home and ensure that the work is done correctly.
Use the questions and tips above to help you get through the (sometimes overwhelming) contractor interview process. And don’t forget to listen to your intuition. If you get a particularly bad or good impression from a company or person, pay attention to it. Once work begins, communicate openly and frequently with your contractor. Reputable contractors want their customers to be happy, and staying up to date is important to ensure a satisfactory outcome for everyone involved.
