Effective questions to help you find the best candidate before you hire them

Meeting with a contractor and deciding which one you’ll hire is a huge decision. Here’s a list of questions you should always ask when interviewing contractors for a project:

• How long have you been in the business?

Asking this question lets you know how much experience they have. Someone who’s been in the business for a long time will have knowledge of the industry and will know what to look for when planning and working on your project. 

• What is your contracting license number?

By knowing the licensing information, you'll be able to verify the contractor is qualified for the job you’re hiring them to do. You don’t want someone licensed in plumbing to be in charge of electricity. 

• Is there a warranty for services and materials used?

Does the contractor offer a warranty on their products or services? If something breaks in two months or needs to be repaired, are you covered? When a company backs their products and offers a warranty, a client will have greater trust in the quality of work provided. 

1. What type of insurance do you have? 

Knowing the types of insurance your contractor has should give you peace of mind. Do they offer workers compensation for their employees? Do they have liability insurance to cover the damages if something breaks while they are working on your property? There’s a level of comfort knowing that if they make a mistake it will be covered and repaired in a timely manner. 

• When will payments be due?

Depending on the nature of the agreement, how will you be paying for services rendered? Is the payment due on a certain day by a certain time, or is it due by a certain stage of the project? Knowing exactly when payments are due is one of the most important questions to ask. In addition to the amount due, you should also ask for a copy of the itemized receipt including materials, labor, taxes, disposal fees, etc.  

• Do you belong to any professional organizations?

Belonging to organizations within the field is not a necessity but rather is a way to show your commitment to the industry. These organizations will offer networking opportunities, training, and materials to keep contractors up-to-date on practices. 

By asking these questions, you’ll have more knowledge on what to expect from a contractor and determine if they’re the right fit for your project. If you’re not satisfied with any of the answers or want more details, just ask. Be informed on what you’re paying for and every detail that involves your project.  

Photo by Scott Blake from Unsplash