How to Interview a Contractor for a Remodel Project

Be a Smarter Homeowner

Interviewing a remodeling contractor for some may seem challenging. But we have some simple tips to help you have a fabulous relationship with your contractor. In today’s episode, we walk through the steps to consider before, during, and after a remodel project. Listen in to learn the tips and tricks on how to start your project off on the right foot and end on a good note!

Questions to consider when starting a project:

• What should a homeowner do before researching for a remodeling contractor? What do homeowners need to look for when researching a contractor for a remodel project? Is it important to compare contractors or quotes before deciding on which contractor to use?
• What details should be asked prior to signing a contract with a remodeling contractor? How should a homeowner manage their contractor during the construction process?
• How should you handle a situation with your contractor if something is not working during the project? Who manages or is responsible for the budget of the project?
• How should change orders be determined when changes do happen to a project? How should money be paid to a contractor? Up front, partial payment, etc
• What are the risks of certain contracts? What to look for and how to manage the details? What does a close out look like and if there is a problem with the job, how can you manage this process?

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:23] What should a homeowner do before researching for a remodeling contractor? What do homeowners need to look for when researching a contractor for a remodel project?
• [09:24] How do you find quality contractors and one of the key questions to ask your contractor?.
• [12:53] how to ask for client referrals?
• [18:34] How should money be paid to a contractor?
• [21:10] Understanding “change orders” and what happens when changes happen during the project.
• [24:01] How to handle the close out process and gather warranties.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• You need a plan before you start looking for a contractor. Do the upfront planning before you try to determine the scope of the project.
• If you are working on a bigger project, it’s smart to get two to three bids or estimates.
• When getting customer referrals, don’t ask broad questions like whether the contractor did a good job. Ask detailed questions about the process of the project and demeanor of the contractor.

RESOURCE LINKS

HomeZada

BIO:

Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market.

John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with bootstrapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.