As you embark on your home renovation journey, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is finding the right contractor for your Portland, Oregon project. You want an experienced professional who will get the job done well and on time, so interviewing each candidate is an important part of the selection process. Be sure to ask questions that will give you confidence that you’ve found a contractor you can trust.
Contacting contractors by phone is a good initial step, but because they are typically busy, give them a chance to call back if you miss them. It’s best if the first call is only to establish an initial connection, not to discuss details. You can follow up with the contractors in-person to ask about specifics. Make sure you include your spouse if you have one so that everyone is on the same page.
Here are a few subjects to consider in your questioning.
Qualifications and References
Checking references is a good way to gauge the contractor’s reputation and reliability. Contractors should be happy to provide references from previous customers. You can also check online for honest reviews from third-party websites. It’s imperative that the contractor is licensed and insured, so they should show proof when you ask. It’s a major red flag if they can’t.
- Can you provide references?
- May I see your certificate of insurance?
- Are you licensed and in good standing with the Oregon Contractors Board?” You can check on the status of that for any contractor here.
Experience
Contractors who have been in business a long time will be more familiar with obtaining proper permits, working through any hurdles, and consistently providing quality work.
Just because a contractor has been in business for many years doesn’t necessarily mean they have the experience fit for your project though. Make sure they specialize in the areas you will need and take a look at a portfolio of their previous work to make sure it’s up to your standards.
- How long have you worked in this industry?
- How long has your contracting service been in business?
- Have you done similar projects in the past?
- What is your experience as a home contractor for seniors?
- May I see examples of your previous work?
Scope of the Project
The following questions will give you better insight into a contractor’s business practices and exactly what you can expect in regards to a projected timeline, their daily operations, and your budget.
- What does a standard workday look like?
- What is the possible timeframe for this project, and can you give a possible ETA?
- Who will be my point of contact with your organization?
- What does my payment schedule look like?
- How do you intend to oversee the project?
- Can you provide the scope of the project in writing?
At Ziebart, we recommend avoiding contractors who work on a “cost-plus” basis. When offering a “free estimate”, you often face a high risk of overruns. At Ziebart Construction, we work on a guaranteed, fixed price basis which protects homeowners from any surprise expenses.
Contingency Preparedness
No one likes delays, but sometimes they are simply inevitable. Ask each contractor about their contingency plans. This will give you an idea of what work will look like if the project hits any roadblocks along the way.
- How do you plan to protect my property during the construction process?
- What possible problems could arise during the renovation?
- Do you have plans to replace any property broken during construction?
- Do you have a plan to handle any disagreements, should they arise?
- Is your organization prepared to cover water or mold damage?
Ziebart Construction will walk alongside you in the renovation process from the very beginning. We are happy to answer all of your questions to assure you we are the right fit for your remodeling needs. Contact us today to schedule an interview!
Click Here for a complete guide to a successful remodel in Portland.
