In a world fueled by HGTV, most people assume that contractors are competent. Countless blogs and articles exist detailing the questions you should ask before hiring someone to work on (and in) your home. For example, you know that you should ask about references, recognition, and experience. You know that you should inquire about contracts, credibility, and points of contact. What prospective clients aren’t always aware of, though, are the questions a top-tier contractor should be asking YOU.
Any contractor, builder or design/build company worth their salt should be very inquisitive. Here are some of the (many) questions they should be asking.
1. What are your goals for the project? What are you hoping to achieve?
If a service provider doesn’t care enough to ask what you want out of the transformation, chances are, they will push their own agenda.
2. Do you have a budget?
Experienced contractors ask this because they need to know your guidelines so they can offer advice accordingly.
3. Do you need assistance with financing?
A true partner will ask the tough questions and connect you with the right resources to make the project happen.
4. Who else has a vested interest in the direction of this project?
A top-tier provider will want to talk to all stakeholders to ensure everyone’s needs are being met.
5. How long have you lived in this home and how long do you expect to stay?
This provides a contractor with your mindset—are you remodeling to get the best price for a sale or is this the master suite you’ve been dreaming of enjoying forever?
6. Do you have any plans or a design in mind?
Getting to know a client’s aesthetic is just as important as getting to know their expectations.
7. Have you ever remodeled before?
If so, how was that experience?
A smart company will ask this question to find out what went well and what went poorly so they can proactively avoid similar challenges.
8. How soon would you like the project to start or be completed by?
Defining and setting expectations, including timelines, is key to a successful relationship.
9. How will you use this space?
Form follows function. If they aren’t concerned about your day-to-day use, run the other way.
10. How would you define success throughout this process?
Smart contractors strive to create a successful experience as defined by the clients at the project’s outset.
