Resources and Services
Quick Tips
Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask a Contractor
A service professional’s answers to some basic questions will give you a sense of whether or not you could comfortably work with that individual. Some important questions are:
How long have you been in business?
Have you completed projects like mine recently?
Can you provide a list of references?
To which professional associations do you belong?
Will you be using subcontractors on this project? If so, are your subcontractors licensed to work in these areas (such as plumbing, roofing, etc.)?
Are you licensed and registered with the state?
Are you insured and covered by worker’s compensation?
Do you give written warranties?
Will my project require a permit?
Interview References
Use the reference list to start making calls. Be sure to ask these important questions:
Would you recommend this service professional?
Would you use this service professional again?
Were you happy with the project?
Was the job completed on time?
Did the service professional keep you informed of the status of the project?
Were there any unexpected expenses?
Were workers punctual?
Did workers clean up after finishing the job?
If the answers to these questions are satisfactory, request to visit the individual’s home to see the work.
More Popular Entries
Additions & Remodels
Details Make Home Offices Work
Taking the Mystery Out of Kitchen Design
Home Improvement Trends
Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors
Glossary of Real Estate Terms
House Buying Mistakes
Mortgage Hints
Appliances
Remove Rust From Water
Tip: Cleaning Dishwasher Stains
Tip: Instant Hot Water Dispenser Problems
Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers
Taking the Mystery Out of Kitchen Design
Appraisals
Tip: Improvement Value vs. Appraisal
Carpentry & Cabinets
Steel vs. Wood Framing
Reface Cabinet
Maintaining Your Wood Deck
Cleaning Services
Tip: Cleaning Fireplace Burns
Tip: Getting Rid of Odors
Blood on Carpet
Concrete, Brick & Stone
Installing Masonry Flatwork
Repairing Masonry
Tip: Condensation Test
Consumer Guides
More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Furniture Renovation
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It
Design Ideas
Appealing Landscape Ideas
The Right Barn or Shed For You
Landscaping Solutions
Electrical, Telephone & Data
Generator Repair
Outlets and Switches
Upgrading Your Electrical System
Expert Advice
Landscape Design
Layering Asphalt Shingles
Mold in House
Flooring
Damaged Tiles
Ceramic Tile
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Wood Flooring
Handyman Services
Find a Handyman for Small Repairs
What Happened to the Handyman?
Homeowner’s Pre-Winter Checklist
Heating & Cooling
Installing Central Heating
Tip: Repair Central A/C - Electric
Air Quality
Home Construction
Timber Framed Homes
Understanding Pre-manufactured and Kit Homes
Modular Home Assembler
Landscape, Decks & Fences
Fall and Winter Landscape
Peaceful Garden Ponds
Enhance Your Garden
Moving & Storage
Finding a Truck Rental Service
Checklist: Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Checklist: Increase Curb Appeal
Other Services
Severe Thunderstorm Preparation
Rental Tools Available
Checklist: Tornado Preparation
Painting & Staining
Quality Paint Jobs
Using Modern Paint Techniques
Choosing Exterior Paint Colors
Plumbing
Install a Solar Water Heater
Install a Septic System
Checklist: When Hiring a Plumber
Quick Tips
Checklist: Hurricane Tips
Tip: When to Re-Roof
Tip: Repair Central A/C - Electric
Roofing, Siding & Gutters
Tip: Roof Leaks
Tip: Repair Your Own Roof
Cost of Siding
SP Feature Article
The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services
Walls & Ceilings
Drywall Panels and Sheets
Drywall Textures and Styles
Wainscoting
Windows & Doors
The U-factor of Thermal Replacement Windows
Hanging Different Window Styles
Checklist: Replacing Your Windows