10 Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before Starting Any Project

If you’re starting any home improvement project, from installing new windows to a total home remodel, it can be a big investment. To help reassure yourself that you’ve made the right decision and prepare yourself for the process, one of the best thing to do is to ask question. To help you out, Houzz compiled a list of questions to ask any contractor before your project has begun, here’s a quick overview:

1. What is our schedule? A schedule gives an overview of times when certain tasks are to be completed by; this can let you know when or if tasks are slipping. The schedule will also let you know what days and times workers will be around; you don’t want to be sleeping and hear people walking around on your roof!

2. Who will be here everyday? This will tell you approximately how many workers will be on your property at any give time. If contractors will be working on a property that you are not currently living in, who will be in charge of opening and locking up each day?

3. How will you protect my property? If any of your property is damaged, or if your home is left a dusty mess, how will this be taken care of?

4. How will you communicate with me? With many methods of communication, it’s helpful to know how your contractor will communicate with you. Make sure that

this communication method works for you as well. It is also helpful to know how often communication will take occur.

5. What part of my project concerns you? If you’ve already had the contractor out for an inspection, more than likely there will be at least one area of concern. Talk about this and calculate the cost of a worst-case scenario.

6. What will happen if there is a change order? If unexpected changes in the scope of work and in prices can occur, make sure there is a plan in place to document and deal with these changes.

7. How will you let me know I need to make a decision? You may be handed over a list or spreadsheet giving you direction for decisions that need to be made. Make sure you know the deadlines for each decision so you have adequate time to think or shop around.

8. How do I reach you after hours? If there happens to be an emergency, be sure you know how to reach your contractor.

9. When do I need to be available to meet? Aside from weekly meetings that you may have planned, you may be needed for an opinion or approval at other points; know when these are to make sure you can be there.

10. What kind of documentation will I receive when the project is done? Make sure that you will be receiving all of the documents that you may need this includes: subcontractors’ information, operating manuals for items installed, and mechanical photos before insulation has been installed.

If you’re living in eastern Pennsylvania and are looking to upgrade your home’s windows, doors, siding, or roofing, Aspen Home Improvement is ready to answer all of these questions for you! Contact us online or give us a call at 717-569-3700.