In this new relationship, common courtesy is a must and good contractors understand this. If a contractor fails to show up for your first meeting and does not call to reschedule, cross him off your list.
Also let me state definitively that all principal parties should be present at this initial and all subsequent meeting. This includes the contractor and BOTH spouses, if applicable. This is absolutely essential for all parties to participate fully in the interview process and for everyone to operate with equal information.
Listed here are questions you should ask during your first meeting.
Contractor Questions:
Business Identity
How long has the firm been in business?
What is their permanent business address?
Is the prospect licensed to work in your area?
What year was the business initially licensed?
Business Practices
How does the company ensure warranty service complaints are effectively handled?
In case of any accident, is the company insured against workman's compensation claims, property damage, or personal liability?
How does the company maintain good customer relationships throughout the construction and warranty period? (applicable in longer projects)
What will the payment or draw schedule look like? (applicable in longer projects)
Building Practices (applicable in longer projects)
Who will be assigned as the project or site supervisor?
Who will be your contact if that person is not available?
Will there be a supervisor on the site full time?
Will they be providing a written construction schedule?
What's the company's routine regarding regular meetings with the homeowners during construction?
Who will attend those meetings? Will the builder personally attend every meeting?
Can I expect to see workers at the site every day?
Does the builder plan to stay personally involved in the project at all points?
May I have the names and numbers of five homeowners you've completed projects for?
May I visit a site where work is in progress?
Note: A visit to a site in progress can reveal much about a company's ability to manage a large project. Notice how organized it looks. Is it messy and chaotic or does it seem well-organized with workers moving like they know what they are doing?
This list is not intended to be exhaustive. In fact, it should help you generate other, more personal questions.
I cannot encourage you strongly enough to ask any questions you may have. Nothing is off limits concerning your project or the company you're interviewing. Asking good, detailed questions is the heart of your due diligence. If you don't question thoroughly, you're giving up your responsibility in this process and possibly compromising the quality of your project.
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