If you have followed Perkins On Parkway for a while, you know that we went through a hellish renovation and are passionate about helping people avoid our mistakes. When you start to interview contractors, you want to have as much information as possible going into the initial conversation. Providing your own sketches, reference photos, etc. is going to be so helpful. Bring those to the initial meeting and help bring your vision to life. This will be super important if you are not working with an interior designer (I know most people don’t have this luxury… I know I didn’t!).
Here are 10 questions you should ask any contractor before you hire them for the job! Some of these will apply to trade jobs as well (like a plumber or a landscaper), but not all.
- Have you worked previously with all the trades that will be on my job?
- Will you submit permits to the city for approval? Will you be handling the inspections?
- What does the payment schedule look like?
- ***Side note, NEVER EVER pay everything up front, a deposit to start the job is standard, but never pay in full before any work is done. Agree upon a payment plan and pay as work is completed.
- Will your bid include materials?
- ***Sometimes sourcing your own materials can save you money during your reno (that is what we did) but not all contractors will allow you to do so. If they agree to let you source finishing materials (aka faucets, light fixtures, etc.) ensure their bid covers everything else.
- Can you talk me through what the general daily schedule will look like?
- How much of the proposed budget accounts for overages?
- Will you plan on prepping the rest of the home to avoid dust?
- Will you be working on other projects while you are working on mine?
- What does typical communication look like on a day to day basis?
- Who will be my main point of contact throughout the project?
Are you planning to live in your home during your renovation? Add these questions!
- We will be living here during the renovation, will you be providing your own bathroom or do we need to allocate one? (if you can avoid letting them use your bathroom… DO IT)
- What will be the set arrival time on a daily basis?
