Check References of the Contractors

Check references the top two contractors furnished you with their bid. This is the fourth step to reduce your construction risk. The answers you receive to the obvious logical questions you ask may surprise you so you must call all the references for each contractor.


Questions To Check References

This is the last step to evaluate the contractors you consider responsible before you verbally award the contract. These are some relevant questions to ask:

• I am considering hiring Contractor ABC to replace my carpeting with bamboo flooring. Contractor ABC gave me your name and number as a reference for similar work (s)he did for you. I would like to ask you some questions … is now a convenient time?

• Do you remember the contractor and the work (s)he did? What was the work Contractor ABC did for you?

• Did the work start when you had agreed? Was the work complete as scheduled? Are the results as you expected?

• Did the work run smoothly? Were there any conflicts between you and the crew? Were there any additional charges? Did you believe this extra should have been explained when the bid was made?

• Did the contractor clean up the work area? Did the contractor ask you to check the work before asking for the final payment? How long is the work guaranteed? Did you receive the material warranties?

• Did you recommend Contractor ABC to your family and friends? (Pickup on any hesitation and ask for details.) Is there any reason you would not recommend Contractor ABC??


Evaluate The Questions

If you rate the answers to each question and then record that rating for all the referrals your choice will be more apparent especially when combined with the bid evaluation. Many in your situation will not make the calls since they feel the referrals are prepared for the call and the answers are canned. You cannot go wrong when you check references.

When you make your decision, first call the contractor you want to do the work and make the verbal award then meet with the contractor to sign the contract documents. Have two copies available for both you and the contractor to have original signatures. When you have the signed contract then call the other contractors and thank them for their interest in the project, you have awarded the contract to Contractor ABC.


Return From Check References To Construction Risk

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.