THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. What are you hoping to achieve with this project?
Any or all of the following….more space, equity gains, improved aesthetics, a quick fix, a quality enhancement, peace of mind, world peace, piece de resistance, the kitchen bathroom bedroom basement family room of your dreams or possibly, the culmination of a lifelong vision?

2. Have you properly considered the budget?
The budget is a critical piece of the project jigsaw. Have you worked out your finances? Have you decided how you are willing to spend? Do you know how different building methods affect the cost of construction?

Questions a general contractor should ask you:

3. Do you have deadlines that will affect the start or finish of the project?
4. Do you plan to live in your home while the project is underway?
5. Have you selected any/all of the materials for the project?
6. Do you have a completed set of plans drawn by a professional?
7. Are you prepared to make dozens of design decisions?
8. Are you working with a design professional?
9. How do you feel about the project? (happy, scared, puzzled, confrontational, excited, filled with dread, etc.)
10. Finish this sentence: “my general opinion of contractors is _________________”
11. Are you prepared to talk to three references about the contractor that you select?
12. Are you prepared to meet regularly with your contractor in order to be an active participant in the success
of your project?
13. Are you ready to begin?
14. Are you prepared to accept weeks or months of inconvenience to your daily life?
15. Have you even been involved in a renovation or building project?

Questions you should ask a general contractor:

16. What is a bid?
17. What is a fixed bid?
18. What is “time and materials”?
19 . How will you know whether the project is staying on budget?
20. How does a payment schedule work?
21. How do I check your references?
22. What should I do if I am unhappy with someone who is working on the job?
23. What if I am not comfortable leaving workers in my house when I am not at home?
24. What causes a project to fall behind schedule?
25. What is an architect’s role on a project when there is also a general contractor?
26. What is the role of an interior designer when there is also a general contractor?