10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

Whether it's your first remodel or fifth, hiring the right contractor can be a daunting task. We’ve compiled a list of ten questions you should ask when interviewing a builder or remodeler to ensure you’re hiring the best fit for your renovation. These questions are aimed to provide you with pertinent information regarding their experience and qualifications, reputation, team dynamic, and administrative details. Remember, the interview is as much for the contractor as it is for the client! Being prepared with specific questions helps both parties gauge each other’s commitment and personality.

Of course we had to take advantage of this teaching moment and add our responses! Just click the “+” to read our own answers.

Primary bathroom remodel featuring a custom vanity and walk-in shower.

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Questions to ask about their:

Experience

Team Dynamic

Administrative Processes

Experience

First thing’s first, you want to know that the contractor you hire is capable of handling your renovation– not just from a logistical standpoint, but also a legal one.

Ashmore Builders has been serving Upstate, South Carolina since 1987.
Read more about us here!
Yes and yes! We currently have three licensed builders on our team and provide worker’s compensation.
Absolutely! If you’re reading this, then it means you’re in the right place! We’re also active on Instagram and Pinterest in addition to our blog.

Team Dynamic

Construction companies vary greatly in terms of project management scope and skill sets. The last thing you want is to get caught in the middle of your own remodeling project! That’s why it's important to know beforehand how much project management will be included in your contract.

Our clients are expected to be involved in the initial Design Phase in order to ensure that they are getting the exact design and selections that they want within their budget.
This will involve several meetings over the course of a few months to decide on cabinetry, finishes, and sign the construction agreement. Because all aesthetic and financial decisions are made on the front-end, our clients are hands-off during the construction phase.
Each renovation project is assigned a Project Manager to be responsible for the production timeline and crew scheduling.
In addition to the PM, there is a Project Lead on every job who works alongside the carpenters and crews to make sure everything is going smoothly.
Read more about our team!
While our team does specialize in custom cabinetry and carpentry, we try to leave other specialties to the experts– like plumbing, electrical and tile work.
Your renovation’s Project Manager will be responsible for scheduling the appropriate crews, and the Project Lead will be in your home managing the day-to-day.

Administrative

Inquiring about a builder’s administrative processes is a great litmus test for their validity. Not just as a contractor, but as a business owner as well.

The project manager is responsible for pulling the appropriate permit(s) for your project.
This service is included in the renovation budget.
Does your renovation require a permit? Find out here!
Yes, our renovations have a 1-year warranty starting from the completion date.
Our clients typically pay in two installments.
Clients pay half-down at the beginning of the project once the construction agreement and budget are signed.
The remaining balance is to be paid upon completion.
Clients decide on their renovation’s drawings and selections in the initial Design Phase, which minimizes change orders and delays.
In the case of a back ordered item, the Project Manager will update the budget once the new selection is made to reflect the change in price.

Primary Bath Remodel

This serene and timeless primary bath features a custom, double sink vanity and built-in linen closet painted Repose Gray. The bathroom’s frameless walk-in shower features a classic, basketweave tile that adds texture and movement to this space’s otherwise cool and neutral palette.

The original layout featured a large, whirlpool bathtub and a small, closet-like shower. Our clients decided to do away with the bathtub in the new design in order to allow more room for custom storage solutions and a larger shower.

Before and After Gallery

This list is by no means the only questions you should ask, but it will give a better understanding of their company, and hopefully shed a little light on their pricing and team dynamic. If the contractor was recommended to you by word of mouth, then you might already be familiar with their work, structure, and project management style. As remodelers ourselves, it’s always encouraging to talk with potential clients who have a firm idea of what they want as well as realistic expectations around the remodeling process. We hope this list of questions helps you get the right contractor for your renovation!