Questions to ask the contractor before starting construction or renovation

Choosing a contractor who will build a house or renovate an apartment is a responsible task. And it’s not only about the risk of facing scammers, but also about the need to entrust your repair and construction to a professional. Our tips site will tell you what questions to ask the contractor.

What’s yourswith countuk work?

Very important question. Determine exactly the start date of construction or repair, the timing of each stage of work and the completion date. The contractor should tell you what time his workers will come to the place of work every day, what time they will finish, whether they will have days off. It is impossible to start a large-scale alteration or construction without a schedule; it must be agreed upon before starting the project. In addition, the owner himself simply needs a schedule in order to purchase or deliver materials on time. For example, it has been agreed that the laying of tiles will begin a week after the start of the renovation. By this time, the owner must ensure the availability of tiles and glue for it..

Who will be at the work site every day

Who will the contractor attract? Most likely, you will personally talk only with the main executor, leader, foreman. But there will definitely be other workers, masters. For example, tiler, electrician, handymen. How many people will be involved in construction or renovation? Will it be necessary to invite other specialized specialists or the team will cope with everything on its own? When it comes to renovating an apartment, where the owners do not live yet or have moved out during a major overhaul, it is important to find out exactly who will open and close the door..

how things left in the house during the renovation will be protected

If repairs take place, for example, only in the kitchen or in the bathroom, alteration is carried out by room, it is very important to discuss with the contractor the issue of protecting the things remaining in the house. Take care of the covering materials in advance, ask them to carefully move, for example, the refrigerator and washing machine. Hide everything valuable personally, but rather take it out of the place of repair work. Ask how the contractor will shield the renovation area from the rest of the home. Recall that the portal wrote how to protect an already finished finishing finish during repair work.

Gowhether the contractor to conclude a formal contract

Private teams rarely sign documents with customers. Construction companies are simply obliged to do this. The choice is yours, if you are sure that the contractor has excellent recommendations and you can start cooperation without a contract, well – so be it. But large projects, such as the construction of a cottage, it is still better to implement only by signing all the necessary papers with the contractor.

How will youe control the process

Yes, without the personal control of the owner, repairs and construction should not be left. If you cannot travel to the construction site on a daily basis, arrange for regular calls. The working day is over – let the contractor report on what has been done, send a photo in the messenger. So you will be much calmer. Agree in advance when you arrive at the work site and request a full report.

What mycan shift the timing of work?

It is also better to talk about possible problems in advance. Yes, you made the schedule, but with a high degree of probability, you will have to make changes to it in the process of work. For example, if it turns out that the logs under the floor are unsuitable for further use and need to be replaced. This is additional work. Walk with the contractor through the list of everything that needs to be done, discuss the most problematic points that may affect the schedule.

Who willdIs responsible for the purchase of building and finishing materials

It is clear that you will buy most of the materials for decoration and construction in advance. And if it turns out that during the work there was not enough, for example, a bag of plaster or cement, who can buy them quickly so that the work does not stop? Do you have to urgently go to the supermarket or will the contractor solve the problem by himself without disturbing you, and will you give the money later? Agree on nuances that only seem like little things.

Whenand the owner will definitely need to be at the facility

For example, completed work with an electrician. And you need to check that everything works, there is light everywhere, sockets are where planned. This must be done personally by the owner. Or the tiler starts work and wants to clarify where exactly the panel will be located – above the bathroom or above the washing machine. Important issues need to be resolved on site, so the customer should know when his presence is required.

Who abouttones for garbage collection and cleaning after repairs

Does the contractor have their own construction waste collection vehicle or will it need to be hired additionally? Will the workers take out the garbage themselves, or will they need movers? Who will clean up the house after finishing work, at least wipe the tiles and floor? It is clear that then the owners themselves will bring perfect cleanliness, but simple cleaning is one thing and quite another – raking up debris, stains due to putty and paint splashes. Discuss this point before the start of the repair, so that later questions do not arise.

What documents will you receive after the completion of the repair and construction sites

Be sure to ask for the layout of the wiring that was hidden in the walls. Sooner or later it will be needed. The layout and connection of water pipes and other communications will not interfere. Will you sign the acceptance certificate for the work performed? Serious and responsible contractors often give instructions on how to care for the flooring and countertops, and take photos of the rough finish before installing the equipment and painting..

Do not forget about the need to discuss all important points with the performer. Construction and renovation is a costly task, a lot depends on the skill and responsibility of the contractor. Plan, discuss and get more confidence that the project will be implemented quickly and successfully.