- How do you handle change requests? - How often are you on the job site as the main point of contact? (or who IS the main point of contact?) - Do you pull permits for all of the work to be done? - Who does the crew you use actually work for? Do they work directly for you or are they subcontracted? How long have you worked with them? - Are all of your subcontractors or workers licensed appropriately and bonded? - Do you provide cleanup at the end of each workday and portajohns? Do look at Buehl's "keep on first page" post that should be located on the first page of this forum. There is good information there. There will be much more input I'm sure on this thread. Another thing I did was get at LEAST 3 estimates, and 3 references. Then CHECK those references. I like that the GC I chose brought up the portapotty and cleanup himself. Also, we requested that the bids be specific so that we can compare apples to apples -- not apples to oranges: - cabinetry - countertops - flooring - electrical - drywall - painting - who pays for what fixture, appliances, lighting, specialty items. etc etc etc. I was also very clear with the project manager that since I do project management myself (computers), I really don't want to have to manage this on top of it -- that's his job. If there is a change request, present it to me, or I present it to him, and it gets signed and then gets done or its out. Boom - done. Another neat thing the one we chose did (which makes me think more and more of them - we're only one week in) is that they put a keyless entry on our front door. The contractors can let themselves in, instead of us giving them a key to our front door that could potentially be copied. Once they are done, the code can be changed. This is standard on all their job sites, and I never even thought of it, but really like it. Honestly, with the dogs, I did ask that they ring the bell though before entering, just to make sure I've put the dogs up in the morning. Not everyone is as much of a dog lover as we are, and 4 big dogs greeting you when you enter a home can be overwhelming to even grown men (lol). I was very specific with all the GC's I talked to. My main concern was I didn't want to have to run around coordinating everyone's time. I don't want to have to deal with people not showing up on time or in the middle of the day to START on a job. The GC we chose was slightly higher than the other 2 bids (one was so cheap I knew it was a farce, not to mention the people that never even showed up to interview). However, I am getting the feeling so far we've made the right decision. Our first bump was the subflooring. Our 1969 home has some water damaged kitchen floor. We knew it. We expected to have to have some repairs. Turns out its better to just get an entire new subfloor rather than patch it. The change order today was for $1915. If that is the worst thing I run into in a 62 grand remodel, then I'm in good shape. We were NOT suprised to hear we had to have a whole new subfloor really. Do be realistic about your expectatations. Plan on an addition 20% for "suprises". We do expect this will be our worst "suprise". I'm crossing my fingers. As of today, the old kitchen/dining room is completely gutted down to the studs. They will be back on Tuesday to start on the new subfloor. At least they were considerate enough not to tear it up tomorrow, leaving us with no way to get to our bedrooms Friday night through the holiday weekend! The ball keeps rolling though. The cabinet guy shows up tomorrow to do his detailed measurements. That is the mark of a good contractor - he doesn't drop the ball.

I put together 2 sheets - one I used as a guideline when interviewing contractors and another when interviewing their references. I didn't necessarily asked them every question. I can email you the finished sheets. Contractor: date Phone number: After hours No. Registered in MA? Contact: Address: Referred by: How many years of experience? How long in business? How much experience with historical homes? What is your specialty? What sets you apart from the rest? Tell them about my job: Converting 1820s house back to single Items contractor may do or my subs: Items we may do: How many renovations have you completed? How many completed similar projects? How many kitchen designs have you completed? What do you see as the important issues? License Type of work licensed to do: Where are licenses held? call the local building department to validate the number. Also, call the State Consumer Protection Agency to find out if the contractor had to prove financial stability, pass an exam, or just pay a fee for the license Check with your local building department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area. Is the company bonded and with who? Can I have a banking and/or financial reference? Check financial stability. If the contractor is unable to pay for materials, labor, and overhead costs, the job could go unfinished. What insurance coverage do you have? At a minimum, contractors should have Workman's Compensation: Name of Co. and phone number general liability (including property and personal liability), Amount, Name of Co. and phone number: automobile insurance Name of Co. and phone number: Call the insurance agency to confirm effective dates of the insurance policies. What professional/trade organizations are you are a member of? Check membership standing in the organization provided. Have you taken any classes or attended any trade seminars in the past 2 years? Do you have any projects under litigation or complaints filed against you? Any judgments against the company? How do you handle this type of job? Who will be assigned as a project supervisor for the job? Will they be there every day? Do you have employees or do you use subcontractors? Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If yes, ask to meet them, and make sure they have current insurance coverage and licenses, if required. Also ask them if they were paid on time by this contractor How interested are you in this project? Are you available and have capacity? When can you start? How long do you expect to complete this project? Based on the project detail, what permits may be required? May I have an itemized estimate on the project that includes materials, labor, overhead, and a time frame? The estimate should be in writing in order to compare it with the estimates you receive from the other two contractors. What is your experience/track record with cost estimating or quotes? Questionaire for references: Contractor: date Phone number: Reference: What is your experience/track record with cost estimating or quotes? Â How did you find out about this contractor? Â How long ago did this contractor work for you? Â What was the quality of the finished project? Â Did the contractor recommend a contract, including a written estimate? If not, did you request a contract? Did the contractor balk at the idea? Â Did the project go over the original estimate? If so, by how much? What changes from the original project did you request? Did the contractor provide an acceptable detailed explanation? Â Did the contractor use a written change order form before making changes to the original estimate? Â Did the contractor stay on schedule and report to work in a timely manner? Â Did the contractor have a good attitude throughout the project? Â Did anything unusual or unsettling happen during the course of the project? Â How qualified were the workers and subcontractors? Â Did the contractor stay on-site to supervise during the project? Â How accessible was the contractor? Â Was the site clean and safe at all times? Â Would you recommend this contractor to your family and friends? Â Would you use this contractor again?

I agree, talk to a good HVAC contractor. Finding the good ones is the key point. I'd question if what you are asking for makes sense for your house (how new and how tightly, or not. is your home sealed). Do you want unheated/unconditioned air coming directly into your kitchen, do you want to stand under that supply of air when it is 32 degrees outside? Qualifier: I'm not familiar with Fantech products. What is used in newer, well sealed homes are devices knows as HRV or ERV (Heat Recovery Ventilators or Energy Recovery Ventilators). What these devices do is get any heat from air being exhausted from the structure (cooking, bathroom exhaust, clothes dryer exhausts, etc.), and exchange the heat to add it to air coming into the structure (some do exchange of moisture along with heat). In some areas, northern and colder climates and Canada, these devices are required by code. If your structure is older and enough makeup air comes in through door and windows seals, mail slots, screen doors, garage entrances, dryer and bathroom exhausts when not in use, etc., etc. then you don't want this arrangement. A good HVAC contractor will have someone on staff who understands all this stuff and can tell you what options make sense for your house.

@Mike, thank you for that excellent question. @Virgil no. I am learning and trying to educate myself as I go. @Joseph, this GC came recommended by my architect. However, I like to do my due diligence, because at the end of the day, I have to live with the house, not the architect.