Best questions to ask contractor references.
semi
14 years ago
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plumeriavine_2010
14 years agolindiver
14 years agoRelated Discussions
questions to ask contractor's references?
Comments (3)Your post indicates that the contractor was recommended by friends so you need to try to cut through that relationship and find out how the job really went for them. If the project didn't finish on time try to find out why. It's not unusual for a project to run long. More questions based on issues I've seen around this site and in my work: Did the contractor and crews disappear for a while without an explanation? Start a new project and drop the current one? Ask for accelerated draws or payments? Was it hard to get the last few details finished? Everyone has different levels of tolerance when it comes to defining a good job so it's really hard to go by what someone else says. You have to go on instinct as well. When you meet does the relationship work for you? The best way to make sure you get a good job is holding back 25% or more and not 10%/15% that is usually in the contract. Even otherwise good contractors are sometimes willing to let that amount go and walk away when the cost of finishing the project exceeds the final payment. You also need to "back load" your payments so the more they complete, the more they get paid. The contractor will try to get most of the money up front. If they need materials, ask for invoices or pay the supplier directly. Make sure they have enough to pay their subs, but don't just follow a set payment schedule. This is more work for you, but worth it to ensure a good project. If the contractor won't agree to those terms, find another....See Morequestions to ask a contractor
Comments (3)The payment schedule question is in #4 above in the SCHEDULE paragraph. When we talked about this wiht the contractors, I made sure that they knew that I expected a payment schedule with the bid. These are preliminary questions but they do set a tone of expectations. In fact one contractor said that from our meeting he knew which subcontractors he would put on our job because I'd be more interactive than some owners. Obviously I am early in the process and no expert, but I am hoping that this might help someone....See MoreWhat Questions to Ask Insulation Contractor?
Comments (3)I guess there are questions for you first. Are you re-siding the exterior or are you re working the walls on the inside involving removal of the wallboard or plaster? They have a technique they use involving drilling holes in each stud cavity at the upper part of the wall and blow in cellulose. It is usually a timed system that lets them know if it is full. If not, they bore a few more holes in that cavity.Other systems bore holes top and bottom of the stud cavity.This generally means patching the holes when it's done, but is generally less work if you are not re-siding or removing the wallboard or plaster on the inside. Maybe others can help you with questions for them. I would get references to see if past customers were happy with this system. Walls have wiring ,plumbing, and other things like blocking, so i would want to know how they manage with obstructions....See Morehelp with questions to ask contractor about new wincows
Comments (6)For an initial quote, things can be a little lax with maybe just approx sizes, model, options, u-factors, window and labor warranty,references,install/haul included, etc. For a final contract, I'd ask for the *Exact brand, model, and options for each window in writing *Exact sizes *Approx lead time and install date *Method of install, approx # days/hours to install *Any included exterior wrapping of windows *Any interior trim replacement required, *Who is responsible for Staining or Painting of Interior Trim. *Who is in charge of debris removal/cleaning, disposal of old windows *What kind of Insulation they use to seal around window(Fiberglass or Low Expansion Foam) If they offer a warranty on there work make sure you get it in writing on the contract! Also if they say they do not charge for Service Repairs get that in writing also. If you go and examined the work of a specific install crew, you can also request that crew. In most cases all of the above don't end up being necessary, but it never hurts to get things in writing, just in case......See Moreamberley
14 years agojejvtr
14 years agochicagoans
14 years agoweissman
14 years agozeebee
14 years agosemi
14 years ago
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