Thinking of Remodeling? Here are 7 Questions to Ponder Before the Hammer Hits the House!

Clark Construction Shares the Seven Questions To Ask Before You Begin Remodeling

Remodeling can be a major investment so be sure to ask the right questions before choosing a company to work with.

To get started, all you need to do is ask a few questions; knowledge is power… the more you know, the better decisions you’ll be able to make.

1. What types of projects do you do and where do you work?

The first part of this question may seem obvious. You want to hire a contractor who specializes in the work you're going to have done. You don't go to a dentist to fix your aching back.

2. How long have you been doing business in this town?

A contractor who has been plying his trade locally for 15 to 25 years has an established network of tradespeople and suppliers in the area and a local reputation to uphold. Do they live in the community? Are they invested in it? Do they give back? There's something nice about supporting someone who is an integral part of your community are cares about the people in it.

3. What is your approach to a project such as this?

The ability to listen and understand are qualities to look for.

A great design team will consider the total scenario; not only for now, but for the future, including broader or unexpected needs that may not be obvious to you on first glance.

4. How will the project be organized and scheduled?

For many people, one of the most stressful parts of a remodel is not knowing what's going to happen and when. How will they let you know? Is there an on-line schedule? How are changes communicated to you and the tradespeople?

 For us, using software in combination with a personal touch works best. We contact the workers 3 times for each activity - 7 days ahead, 3 days ahead, and the day before. This makes sure everyone comes when we expect them, allows them to balance their workloads, and makes sure that the job is ready for them when they get there.

5. Who will be working on the project?

Look for a company with long term relationships with tradespeople known for quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, ability to meet a schedule, and just plain old good manners. When a team has worked together for a long time, there is a a mutual understanding of the quality level which is expected, and it sets the stage for projects that exceed client expectations.

6. How much of your business is repeat and referral?

It is often said that the greatest compliment is a referral, but an even greater compliment is a repeat client. A happy client when the project is done is great, but a raving fan well after completion is what makes our socks go up and down. What more can we say?

7. I'd like to meet the owner; can you set up a meeting?

One of the most important questions has to do with an introduction to the highest level leadership in the company. If there is a problem on the job, you don't deal with the sales people, so who stands behind that problem? It typically escalates to the top. That's not the time to find out that the owner of the company is not someone you would have done business with in the first place.

Read more on the Clark Construction blog here.

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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