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What to ask references?

17 years ago

We are hoping to do a second story addition to our ranch style home. After meeting with many contractors we think we have it narrowed down to two and we have asked them both for references. Other than the typical types of questions one would ask these references, are there any things that those of you who have been there wish you would have asked? We'd also appreciate any other words of wisdom you may have for us.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

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Comments (3)

mag77
17 years ago
Ask the references if they'd let you come and see the work in person. Beyond that, check the contractors out with the Better Business Bureau and never, never pay all the money up front.

John
kec01
17 years ago
1. Did the workers show up when they said they would be working? If not, did they communicate to the homeowner IN A TIMELY MANNER that their plans had changed?
2. Did the workers clean up after themselves on a daily basis? (could be important if you are going to be living in the house during construction).
3. Did the reference have any disputes with the workers? If so, what was it about and how was it resolved? Did the resolution cost the homeowner additional funds?
4. Was the reference satisfied with the methods of and frequency of communication with the workers?

I also agree with trying to see work that was done by these workers.

We did a fairly major remodel this time last year and I got an Angie's List membership specifically to check out whether anyone had negative comments. Eliminated a couple of potentials because of what others had said about them.

To us, communication is the biggest factor after the work skills. We also stressed to the workers we hired that if there wasn't communication, they would wish they'd never met me - I was the GC on our project. I repeated that quite a few times during the interviewing stage.

Good luck with your work.
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steve_o
17 years ago
Be sure to ask the contractor for a referral to someone with whom he had a problem (or a customer who had a problem with him). Of course, everyone wants to put their best feet forward. But talking to customers who could have been unhappy will give you insight as to how the contractor addressed and resolved the problems.

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