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questions to ask contractor's references?

13 years ago

I will be in touch with the references supplied by my contractor shortly. I wondered if you all have any tips for things I should ask about. This is a 1960s home, and it will involve changes to a load-bearing wall and gutting a kitchen. Also, some of the references are nearby and/or friends of friends, and I may have the chance to go see it. What should I look for?

This is what I already have.

How long has the project been complete? Did things start/finish on time (begin/end of project)? Is there anything you asked him to redo/wished you asked him to redo? I was wondering if your home was older as well? Did you any surprises (questions about craftsmanship, different materials used, change orders, unexpected things you weren't aware of, or anything else) ?

Thank you for any advice!

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Comments (3)

mtnrdredux_gw
13 years ago
Was it over budget, how much and why. How long did he take to complete the punch list. Did he ever need to repair something more than once? Did he have good ideas, suggestions? Did he listen to yours?
Was it his own staff or subs? Once they started, did they work every day?

If you had to do it over again, what would you do differently?
steff_1
13 years ago
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.
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Since your insurance company has already vetted this contractor in some ways, when you check his references, I would ask what type of work he did for them (remodel, new construction, fire damage, water damage, etc). That way you would be comparing apples-to-apples in some ways. I'd ask more specific questions if people are willing to talk, such as 'where did you pick out your materials, were you able to stay within budget and if not ask if they mind stating where they went over (cabinets, flooring, lighting, etc) (you're not asking personal $$ questions here, just general info), were there subcontractors work they were not happy about, any major delays, workmanship issues, permit issues, inspection issues. I could probably think of others, but those came off the top of my head. Make a checklist and write down comments if you can, negative and positive and see how they add up. I'd talk to at least three people, male and female. Or if you talk to a male, ask if his wife would feel the same way and vice versa.
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jejvtr
13 years ago
Additionally I would request GC supply list of his regularly used vendors & how long he has had relationship w/said vendors
Lumber yards, cabinet maker/supplier, bath supplier etc -
Go to them directly and inquire if GC pays bills on time, has good working relationship, has LOC (line of credit) established.
Also, if you can get list of GCs subs as well -
I would ask - how long they worked w/GC, is he fair to work with, does he pay them in timely fashion.
I would also ask the GC directly how they handle change orders & when you go to his references - verify that is the way the were handled.
Checking Better Business Bureau & licensing boards/sites may be fruitful as well
Good luck

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