1. How should a homeowner approach finding and interviewing a contractor?

Taking the time to locate and qualify a professional remodeling contractor will help to ensure the overall success of your remodeling project. The best way to find that contractor is to seek referrals from people in your community. Be sure to ask several people about the same contractor. This is your opportunity to confirm that the contractor who will be working on perhaps your largest investment has the qualifications you desire. Your goal should be to pre-qualify one or two contractors to work with, before you even consider asking them for a proposal to complete your project.
Remember that the professional contractor has a schedule that can be at least as demanding as the homeowners. Be sure that you provide adequate time and the proper atmosphere for all interested parties to interview with the contractor and discuss your project. If you have young children, consider a babysitter to avoid disturbances. Keep in mind that the contractor will be interviewing the homeowner to verify if the project and the homeowner fit the companies requirements for a "customer".

2. Why Should I Hire a General Contractor?

Unlike subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters, a General Contractor coordinates and manages all construction activities to be performed to complete a project.

A professional contractor knows the success of a project depends on the quality of work and service needed to achieve customer satisfaction. He/She will make sure every project undertaken runs as smoothly as possible, with as little disruption as possible to the homeowner. This includes coordinating hundreds of details from employing only expert subcontractors to securing proper permits and obtaining final inspection approval.

3. What qualities and qualifications should the homeowner look for when interviewing and hiring a contractor?Many factors go into the selection of a company which will remodel your largest investment, your family home. Qualifications may include: professionalism, quality workmanship, and experience. However, the most important qualifying factor is trust, which brings with it the comfort of knowing a business relationship is being formed with people holding your best interest in mind.

4. What should the homeowner ask during an interview with a contractor?

The homeowner should create a list of the qualifications he/she will require of their contractor. This way you will be sure to ask the same questions and all questions of each contractor. This list should contain at least the following ten questions:

1. Do you have Workman's Comp. and Liability Insurance?
2. Do you have a Mass. Construction Supervisor License?
3. Are you a Registered Home Improvement Contractor?
4. Do you or your employees have any industry-related certification?
5. Will you provide me with a detailed written proposal?
6. How long have you been in business?
7. Can you provide me with a list of references?
8. Do you belong to any professional trade organizations?
9. What type of warranty do you offer?
10. Will we need a permit for this project?

5. What About Permits?

Most cities and towns require permits and/or inspections when a building project takes place. Failure to obtain the necessary permits and/or inspections can be illegal. In some cases, if a project violates a zoning law or some other regulation, it may even have to be demolished if there is no way to comply with the law.

A good general contractor is very conscious of following the permit process; making sure that all permits have been obtained before any work is done. Timely inspections, as required by law, will also be arranged by the contractor.

6. What About Licenses and Insurance?

In most states or communities (but not all) contractors are required by law to be registered, licensed and insured. A contractor who is not properly registered and insured is prohibited from doing business in his/her state as a contractor. Sometimes people are tempted to do business with a non-registered or uninsured contractor because they are offered a "deal." Hiring an unlicensed contractor can be very costly; if there are any accidents or legal problems, you could very well be sued as well as the contractor. To avoid problems, be sure you asked to see the contractor's licenses, registration, and insurance certificates before you sign anything. If the contractor is hesitant about showing them to you, don't hire them!

7. What is the Registration Law? (Massachusetts)

As of July 1, 1992, all general contractors must be registered with the Home Improvement Contractor Registration Bureau of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This government agency was created to help resolve the problem of unscrupulous contractors who were taking advantage of the public. By law, all contractors doing business in Massachusetts must be registered with this bureau and must have a registration number. Before you even consider doing business with a contractor, ask to see his or her registration card. Remember, you have no recourse if you choose to do business with unprofessional remodelers.

8. How should a homeowner decide whether to interview a general contractor, architect and contractor, or a design build firm?

Unless you are considering a very large project or want to create a very specific effect, an architect may not be necessary. Many people start with a sketch or ideas from various home-design magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens. It is generally a good idea to have something in mind, even just a concept or rough drawing, before researching the project.

Some contractors are "Design-Build Contractors" which means they can help you design your project as well as build it. They should be experienced in interpreting your wants and desires into living areas reflecting your personality and to help you avoid a design which may be problematic to build. This option can also reduce the overall time from project concept to completion by providing a seamless process, using one company to design, budget, and complete the project.

If you wish to do the design yourself, your contractor should be able to help with some basic ideas as well as catalogs from building supply companies. If you decide you would like to work with an architect, ask your contractor to make recommendations.

9. When is the Project Complete?

Usually, just before the final payment is made on a contract, the client and the contractor inspect the project together to be sure that everything contracted for has been done in a satisfactory manner. This your opportunity to make sure everything has been done to your satisfaction. If there is anything you think isn't right, let the contractor know. The project is not complete until the customer is totally satisfied.