FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General questions I usually ask a potential client.
- What do you want to accomplish with this project?
- Do you entertain?
- If so, how many times in a year and how many people do you usually expect?
- Do you have an architect?
- Is cooking outdoors usually a part of your entertaining plans?
- Do you have a second home or weekend cottage?
- Do you have children?
- Do you have a budget?
- What is your weekly routine?
- Do you travel for work, or are you home every evening?
- Will magazines showing outdoor living spaces help with your decision making?
General questions the Homeowner should ask your contractor.
- What makes your company different?
- Do you have your own employees or do you trade everything out?
- How long have you been in business?
- Have you ever had any complaints filed against you?
- Are you insured?
- Workman’s Comp and Liability- make sure to ask for a Certificate of Insurance.
- Do you have a list of references we may call?
- How many similar jobs have you completed and may I see some of them? Do you have a website or photos?
- How will we communicate during a project?
- How often will we meet during a project?
- What if there is an emergency- how do I reach you?
- Do you provide lien waivers?
- What guarantees do you offer and are they in writing?
- What does your schedule look like and how long before we would be able to
- What does your schedule look like and how long before we could start?
- Do you belong to any professional organizations?
- Do you manage projects?
- Do you have other contractors you could recommend that could help on our project?
- Do you provide maintenance after the job is completed?
Questions directed to masonry contracting.
- What are the differences/benefits between setting brick or stone on a sand base, as opposed to setting on a concrete base?
- How long should I expect this patio or walkway to last before needing to replace it?
- What is the difference in working with brick vs. stone?
- What kind of maintenance is involved with using brick and stone?
- What is the cost difference?
- Is there a real cost savings by using man made products instead of natural?
- What are my grout choices?