Interviewing Contractors?

Here are some questions to ask.

When interviewing prospective contractors and design professionals, ask the following questions:

1. Who are some of your past customers?

2. Have you worked on projects similar to mine?

3. How do you determine what I need?

4. Who in your company will work on my project?

5. What do you charge for your services?

6. How can I get the best value for my investment?

7. Do you guarantee maximum cost?

8. Are you familiar with local codes and requirements?

9. How do you control the construction process and paperwork?

10. How do you provide for safety and security during construction?

11. How do you handle design changes during construction?

12. What do you charge for changes during construction?

13. How long will it take to complete my project?

14. Can you guarantee your estimated completion date?

15. What are your recommendations regarding insurance coverage to minimize my risk, both during construction and after the project is completed? (Have your own insurer or risk manager review recommendations, contracts, and preliminary design ideas from the beginning and advise you.)
    What services and guarantees do you provide after I occupy the building?

16. Do you provide any other services we haven't discussed?

17. Is there an extra change for those services? If so, how much?

18. When could you start working on my project?

19. Could I have a blank copy of your standard contract so I can review it?  (Have your attorney read the blank contract and advise you.)

Reprinted from Group Communications, Inc.  1988.