5 Questions To Ask Before Starting
Any Home Improvement Project

Want to avoid the hassles of a home improvement project gone bad?  Make sure and answer these 5 questions about yourself and your contractor before starting any remodeling or home improvement project.

1. What experience do you have in this type of project?

How much experience does the contractor have in doing projects like yours?  Does he specialize in this type of project, or will he be using your home to learn on?  Typically, contractors who have done several projects like yours will have a better idea of the actual costs and production issues involved in your project.  Keep in mind, however, that every remodeling project is a little different, and nobody has probably ever done a job EXACTLY like yours.

2. Who will be doing the actual work?

Will the individual you're talking to be doing the work himself, or will he be using subcontractors or employees?  All three scenarios have their own advantages and disadvantages, but make sure you know what to expect on your job.  Who do you talk to about questions once the project begins?  Should you talk to the subs, a jobsite manager, or the owner of the business?

3. What happens if changes are required to the initial bid?

What is the contractors' process for making changes in the middle of the project?  Most contractors use some sort of change order form that details the exact work and cost involved in changes once work has begun.

4. Am I prepared to be flexible when the unexpected arises?

Invariably, every job has something that wasn't planned on coming up.  Delays due to weather, unforeseen conditions that come up once walls are torn down, changes to design and material choices, and problems with employees or subs can all upset the planned flow of the project.  Are you prepared to be flexible and work with your contractor to find solutions when these problems arise?

5. How do I feel about working with this contractor?

What is your gut call on working with this individual?  Do you trust him or her?  How do you feel about their design ideas as compared to your own?  Can you communicate openly and clearly with this person?  If it's a remodeling project, how do you feel about this person being in your house for several days or weeks at a time?