Before you hire a contractor to do significant changes to your house, you should ask at least three of his or her former clients about his work. He should be able to give you names upon request.
It seems like an overkill, but be diligent about checking references. We avoided hiring terrible contractors and a lot of pain because of diligent checking and friend's comments. Yes, Virginia, people will lie to you to get your money.
So what do you ask the references? The following are questions recommended by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI):
- Could you communicate well with the remodeler?
- Were you pleased with the quality of work?
This is a tough question, however, since everyone defines "quality" differently. It is much better to ask to see the completed project to determine the level of quality for yourself. - Were you satisfied with the remodeler's business practices?
- Did the crew show up on time?
- Were you comfortable with the trades people the remodeler subcontracted to?
- Was the job completed on schedule?
- Did the remodeler fulfill his or her contract?
- Did the contractor stay in touch throughout the project?
- Were the final details finished in a timely manner?
- Would you use the remodeler again without hesitation?
- Was the job site kept clean during the project?
- Was the remodeler professional, ethical, honest and fair throughout the process?
- Did the remodeler manage the overall project and process in such a way to ensure your satisfaction?
- Did any issues arise during the project? How did the remodeler handle them?
