What is the average number of jobs you do at the same time? How many jobs does your company have in progress right now? Do these numbers seem in line with the number of support staff.  Does it seem like each job has an adequate amount of supervision?

How are jobs managed on a daily basis? Who will be in charge of my job each day? Who checks for quality, mistakes, progress? Get names and contact information.

Who were your two best Clients? Who were your two worst Clients? Why? Do they sound similar or different? Do you sense a conflict?

Do you use sub-contractors for some specialties? What is the average length of time you have worked with them? An established firm will have worked with their “subs” for 5 years or more.

Have you worked on many projects like mine? Can I view examples of your work? Will the same crews who worked on those projects be working on my project? A construction crew and subs that do beautiful work on one home will be of no value if they won’t be working on your project!

Describe your payment schedules. Reputable builders do not require payment or advances for work not accomplished. Advance payments usually indicates that the builder is (1) in a poor financial position to complete your project or (2) wants to use the fact that he has your money as leverage negotiation or (3) plans to not complete your project and increase his profit. Payment should only be made on the basis of predefined building progress/milestones have been completed.

Describe your insurance protection as a builder and get a written statement of insurance coverage. Many small builders do not carry workers compensation or general liability insurance claiming they are not required by law to do so. Many will tell you their sub-contractors carry it. They are correct. However, a reputable builder will carry both policies to protect his employees, his customers, and his assets. Warning: your homeowners insurance will not protect you in the event your builder’s employees become injured on your project or your builder damages someone else’s property during the construction.

Require your builder to have his insurance carrier mail you a copy of his insurance certificate. Do not accept a copy from a builder. Some uninsured builders carry reproduced copies of phony insurance certificates.

Describe your warranty policy. What items are covered? Even a well-executed project may need subsequent attention by the builder after it’s finished. Ask about terms of warranty, response time, and advocacy for you in the event of a conflict.

Will a building permit be issued for the project? Most remodeling projects, as required by NC law, must have a building permit. A builder that is hesitant to “pull” a permit should be avoided.

What work did the builder perform for you? Is the project similar to yours? What highlights made the project a unique solution?

What was the level of collaboration during the design and building process? Were your ideas incorporated into the design? Did the design solutions fit your budget?

Did the builder prepare you and your family for the construction? Was there a pre-construction meeting to discuss how the work would be done to minimize the impact on your daily living?

How was the communication between you and the builder? Did the builder keep you updated on design progress?  Did the builder keep you updated on the progress of the job through weekly meetings? Was the builder readily available via phone or pager?

Were the members of the design and construction team likable? Were they trustworthy? Did members of the team treat you and each other with respect?

Are you pleased with the quality of the design and construction work? Was the design work creative and aesthetically attractive? Was the construction work done with high quality craftsmanship? Have there been any problems with the design or construction? How were problems resolved?  Hint: ask about the details!

Was the project completed within budget? What affected the project costs? Could the builder have foreseen these issues?

Was there anything that concerned you about working with this builder? If so, how did the builder respond to those issues?

Do you feel the quality of design and construction justified the project costs? Was the quality of work consistent with the cost of the project?

Was the process interesting and what you expected? How did the builder make the process more enjoyable? The process is hard work, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable!

Is there anything I should know about this builder that I didn’t ask? Let the client share their own feelings and impressions in their own words.