Working with a backyard contractor can mean that you are well on your way to creating your backyard vision and enhancing the gardens, layout and design. However, it is not as simple as just saying “make it look nice” and leaving your contractor to create something.
For most people, they want to know that the contractor actually knows what he is doing and to get a better idea as to how the project will be carried out. To do this, you need to make good use of open ended questions. Here is our list of things that you should ask your backyard remodel contractor.
1. How long have you been in the remodeling business?
Knowing how long your contractor has been in the business will give you comfort and a better idea as to how much expertise and experience they actually have. Confidence and actual professional skills are not the same thing.
Also, if they have been in business for a long time, that shows a relative record of success as industry professionals who do a terrible job, do not last long.
2. How long will this project take to complete?
If the contractor gives you an exact time frame, that would be mighty suspicious. The truth is that with any remodelling project the best that a contractor can give you is an estimate. By asking how long it will take, it should set the standard for your expectations with knowledge that the estimated date could be delayed by a few weeks depending on work delays or interruptions.
Rather than someone who pulls a date out of thin air, you should get your contractor to walk you through the different aspects of your project and how long each part will take. An experienced contractor will estimate a later date than he actually believes whereas a newbie might try and overestimate how quick he can get it done.
3. How do you overcome work delays?
Work delays could include, suppliers not delivering materials, inclement weather, staff off sick, or permits etc require that the plans change. It is a good idea to walk through some different scenarios with your backyard contractor to discuss what the plan would be in such situations.
A skilled contractor will find workaraounds and methods of continuing the project despite delays. In other words, what you are looking for here are problem solving skills.
These are just three of the important questions that you can ask, but if you have more then you should by all means go ahead and ask. The more questions you have the more answers you are going to get.
Author Bio-
Dana Laksman has been involved with the home remodels for the past 15 years and now wants to share her knowledge and experience with others.
