Good Questions To Ask Your General Contractor
Here's some questions that I recommend every homeowner
ask their general contractor. These questions will often save you a lot
of grief and frustration. Use these questions if you're building a new
home are remodeling an old one.
1. Who is responsible for the building inspections? Remember that
building inspections take valuable time away from the home construction
or remodeling process. Sometimes the homeowner can walk the building
inspector through the inspections saving the contractor time and himself
money.
2. What are my responsibilities as the homeowner? Besides meeting
financial obligations and paying the contractors on time, are there any
other responsibilities that you will have during the construction
project.
3. What are the general contractor's responsibilities? Just because you
have a signed contract, doesn't mean that everything is going to be
perfectly clear between you and your contractor. Is your contractor
responsible for cleanup, insurance, construction problems and building
permits?
4. Are the subcontractors going to be responsible for anything, besides
doing their portion of the project? It wouldn't be a bad idea, to find
out if the subcontractors get along with each other. I have seen fights
break out, contractors quit and big problems with construction cleanup.
5. What is the general contractor going to do if they fall behind
schedule? This is one of the biggest problems in the home improvement
and home building business. Is your contractor willing to work longer
hours and weekends to keep the job on schedule. Come to an acceptable
arrangement before starting the job.
There are plenty of more good questions to ask a general contractor, but
these five can save you a lot of frustration and headaches. Don't be
afraid to ask these questions and any others that you can think of
before you start the job and sign the contract.