Questions to ask your potential remodeling contractor

Good question #5: What can I expect for cleanup? That’s really not a very good question, because everyone always promises to clean up thoroughly. It’s finding people who actually fulfill that promise that’s hard. But at least if you ask it, you have the promise to remind the contractor of if he doesn’t live up to it.
Better question #5: Tell me exactly what I can expect for dust protection and cleanup – and put it in writing. Okay, that’s not a question – it’s an order. But it’s the type of order you should give. It beats the heck out of vague verbal promises in terms of getting actual results. Make sure you reach an understanding about what to expect throughtout the project, not just at the end. And, clarify how your contractor plans to keep the unavoidable dust confined to the work area, not drifting through ths space you're living in.

Questions to ask your potential remodeling contractor

Five good ones, five better ones, one best one (by Thorn Jarvis)

Good question #4: Who will be working on my home? Are they professional tradespeople or day laborers? Employees or sub-contractors? How long have they worked for you? Can I trust them in my home?

Better question #4: Who will be working on my project – at my house and in your office? The difference between this question and the “good” one is that it recognizes you’re paying for more than the people who show up at your house. Behind them should be support staff, helping organize and coordinate the work. When you call the office, do you get a helpful person or an answering machine message? Will everything you discussed with your previous company contact person get accurately conveyed to the people doing the work on site? Will the right people, with the right materials and equipment, show up when you were told to expect them? Coordination and communication are critical to a successful remodeling project.