Contractor Interview Questions

Are you talking to contractors about doing home improvements on your home? Here are 28 questions to ask before you sign anything. Our answers follow immediately after each question:

(It's a good idea to ask for some form of proof, honest contractors like to be asked.)

1. Are you an Idaho Registered Contractor?

Yes, we will be when the law takes effect Jan.1, 2006. (It is required for any job costing more than $2,000.)

2. Have you ever declared bankruptcy?

No

3. Do you have Workers Comp Insurance?

Yes

4. How much liability insurance do you have?

$2 million aggregate, $1 million per occurrence

5. Do your subcontractors have liability insurance?

Yes, they must match ours.

6. Have you ever worked without liability insurance? If so, why?

No

7. How long will you guarantee your work and materials? Is it in writing?

To see our Guarantee, click the "Guarantee" button.

8. Do you have regular safety training? Who does it?

Yes, our production manager.

9. Are you HUD trained to remodel in a home with lead paint?

Yes, we have HUD certified lead remodelers on staff.

10. How do you handle remodeling in a home with mold, radon or asbestos?

We test for them when prudence requires and present you with the legal & responsible options available.

11. Whose insurance will pay if someone gets injured on my project?

If we are your contractor, ours will.

12. Whose insurance will pay if you get sued on my project?

If we are your contractor, ours will unless you are responsible for the cause of the claim.

13. Do you comply with the new General Contractor Disclosure Law that went into effect July 1, 2002? May I see your disclosure forms?

Yes, it's the law; here are copies of our forms.

14. Do you guarantee your price?

Yes, it's in the Remodeling Agreement.

15. What happens if you missed something in your quote?

It's on us unless the Agreement says otherwise.

16. Do your employees have health insurance?

Yes, that way you get some of the best people available.

17. Do you regularly train your employees?

Yes

18. Do you measure your past clients satisfaction with your work?

Yes, see the "About JFC" page and click "Click Here for Client Quotes."

19. Are you a member of a professional remodelers association?

Yes, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). See the "About JFC" page for more and a link to the NARI web site.

20. Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau?

Yes, both; we share their values and commitment to service.

21. Are you a member of the Building Officials Association?

Yes, and we participate in their training programs.

22. How do I know you will finish my project?

250 satisfied clients will attest to it and our Agreement guarantees it.

23. Can I get references from former clients and your sub-contractors?

Yes, call or e-mail us.

24. How long has your company been in business?

We are well into our 2nd decade in a business where 95% of our competitors go out of business in the 1st 5 years.

25. Are you qualified to assist me with obtaining a loan for my project by helping to obtain a reasonable appraised value for my home when the project is completed?

Yes, we have experience with obtaining fair & accurate appraisals for our client's remodeling projects. We also have solid relationships with local lenders who trust us and extend to you the service we expect you to get from them.

26. Will anybody be smoking, drinking or using drugs on our property?

No, if they do they will be immediately dismissed.

27. What happens if someone is discovered to be impaired by alcohol, a prescription or illegal drugs on my project?

They will be removed from your project and are subject to dismissal.

28. Will my children, my home and my pets be treated with respect and care?

Absolutely!