1. What kind of license do you have?
We're not talking driver's license here. If the work you're contemplating having the contractor perform will cost more than $300, it must be performed by a licensed contractor. General contractors have a Class B license; specially contractors a Class C. A general contractor is licensed to do carpentry or projects which involve three or more separate trades. A contractor with a specially license is licensed to do ONLY that specific specially work, such as plumbing, drywall, painting, etc. Be sure your contractor is properly licensed.

2. Are you insured?
Your contractor should carry both General liability and Workers' Compensation insurance, and should show you current and valid certificates that indicate sufficient coverage for a job your size.

3. If you're using subcontractors, can they show proof of licensing and insurance as well?
Once again, be sure that the subcontractors have the appropriate specially licenses and adequate insurance coverage. We use only those subcontractors who can first demonstrate to us their ability to do so.

4. What will our payment arrangements be?
Never pay the contractor the full amount ahead of time. Contractors normally will perform a portion of the work and bill you for that portion; work out ahead of time with your contractor when and how payment will be made. On some jobs, particularly if they involve design or engineering on the contractor's part, a retainer is appropriate. This shouldn't exceed 10% of the projected cost for the total work, though.

5. Do you have a list of references?
Of course, no contractor will use a dissatisfied client as a reference. Try to contact the two or three most recent references, and ask detailed questions (you con use this list as a starting point). Also, contact the Better Business Bureau, and the Contractor's licensing Board at (800) 321-2752, to see whether any complaints have been filed against that contractor.

6. Can you provide me a detailed breakdown of the costs for this project?
As a minimum, this list should include the costs for each subcontractor or supplier's portion of the work, the contractor's profit, and the cost of overhead items like temporary power or water, superintendent's costs, insurance, etc. We provide an extremely detailed breakdown for each of our clients so that there are no hidden costs; call us and we'll send you a sample.

7. What form of contract do you plan on using for this job?
The contract for a construction or remodeling job can be anything from one page to a detailed multi-page document. 'We prefer to use the American Institute of Architects (AIA) forms as a starting point. These contract forms do an excellent job of protecting the rights of the owner, and are fair to the contractor as well. We often propose amendments to these documents to better protect both parties. By all means, sign the contract ONLY after you're sure you understand it clearly, and consult with an attorney, architect, or other professional if you don't. .

8. Will you make sure to obtain the proper permits?
Some contractors will try to get by without this. Ask to see the building permit or sign-og card, and don't pay for any work if the appropriate inspector hasn't signed it off.

9. Are you the low bidder?
We're often the low bidder, but not because we've left something out, or haven't quite understood what you want. Many contractors bid low, then charge the owner for things that were presumably left out of the contract. Be sure to have clear and concise drawings spelling out what you want the end product to be (and remember, if you're using an AIA contract [see #71, those drawings are a part of the contract); be sure the contractor has given you a detailed breakdown of all the costs involved in arriving at that end product (see #6); be sure the contractor has a track record of being able to perform the work per the contract without an inordinate number of change orders (see #5). What you really want isn't the lowest bidder, per se. You want the contractor who can give you the best quality for your dollar.

10. How much time will we spend working together on your bid?
The more time you and your contractor spend working together, crossing the t's and dotting the i's, the happier everyone will be with the end product. We at Westport make it a point to spend whatever time it takes to ensure that the owner is comfortable with our proposal, and pleased with the finished product.