Selecting a Contractor -- Defrehn Corporation -- Roofing and Restoration

     THE DeFREHN CORPORATION
     P.O. Box 622
     Newtown, PA 18940
     Phone: 215-860-1000
     Fax: 215-579-2489

Selecting a Contractor | Interviewing a Contractor | Ask the Customer
Contracts & Permits | What to Expect

INTERVIEWING A CONTRACTOR

Just as you comparison shop for products, you should ask for bids from at least two or three reputable contractors. (To be fair, have them base their bids on the same specifications and materials.) Allow yourself the time to sit down and discuss the details of your home improvement project with each prospect. Be prepared to ask the questions that will help you determine whether or not this is a reliable professional who will be easy to work with and able to complete the job to your satisfaction. And don't worry, a true professional will have no problem answering your questions and will most likely be pleased that he is dealing with a careful and informed consumer. He wants the project to go as well as you do.

Here are some questions you should ask in each interview:

1. What is the full name and address of your company?
This is seemingly minor detail, but it can tell you a lot about the contractor, including how convenient his base of operation is to your home. Don't be afraid to ask for a street address if a post office box is given.

2. How long have you been in business?
Of course, a well-established business is ideal. But everybody needs to start sometime. If a company hasn't been in business for more than three years, references will be especially helpful to you in checking it out.

3. Are you a licensed contractor?
Not all cities/states require contractors to be licensed; you'll need to check with your local licensing authority to see if yours does. And don't be fooled -- a contractor may have a business license (for tax purposes), but this has no bearing on his competence as a contractor.

4. Do you have any special training?
Many contractors participate in training programs offered by professional associations, manufacturers, and suppliers, earning special certifications and other credentials. Such efforts are an indication of professionalism as well as skill level.

5. Do you carry insurance?
A contractor should carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance to protect you in the event of an accident. (If a worker is injured on your property, you might be held liable unless he is covered by workers' comp!) Ask for proof of general liability and workers' comp coverage and then verify it with the insurance carrier.

6. Can you provide me with references from previous jobs?
Ask the contractor if he is working on any jobs that you might be able to visit or if he has photos of completed projects. More importantly, get a list of names and phone numbers of recent customers - and call them! You'd be surprised how many people don't.

7. Do you offer a warranty on workmanship?
Typically, contractor workmanship warranties are for one year or more, but the length of the warranty doesn't matter so much as the intent and ability of the contractor to stand behind his work. (You may also want to ask whether or not the contractor will provide you with manufacturers' warranties for the materials he'll be using).

8. How have you handled previous customer complaints?
The point of this question is not so much to focus on the complaint, but rather, how it was handled by the contractor. Ask him to talk to you honestly about a job that involved a complaint. Also, find out if he has ever lost a job-related court case or had his contractor's license suspended, and why. Again, be sure to contact the Better Business Bureau to find out if any complaints have been filed against him.

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