The next section lists questions you should ask during your first meeting.

BUSINESS IDENTITY:

• How long has the firm been in business?
• What is its permanent business address?
• Is the general contractor licensed to work in your area (if applicable)? Ask to see a current license.
• In what year was the business initially licensed?

BUSINESS PRACTICES:

• What will the payment or draw schedule look like?
• How does the company ensure that warranty service complaints are effectively handled?
• How does the company maintain good customer relationships throughout the construction and warranty period?
• In case of any accident, is the company insured against workman's compensation claims, property damage or personal liability? (Ask to see current certificates of insurance.)

BUILDING PRACTICES:

• Who will be assigned as the project or site supervisor?
• Who will be your contact if that person is not available?
• Will there be a supervisor on the site full time?
• Will the company provide you with a written construction schedule?
• What's the company's routine regarding regular meetings with the homeowners during construction?
• Who will attend those meetings? Will the builder personally attend every meeting?
• Can I expect to see workers at the site every day?
• Does the builder plan to stay personally involved in the project at all points?
• May I visit a site where work is in progress?

Note: A visit to a site in progress can reveal much about a company's ability to manage a large project. Notice how organized it looks. Is it messy and chaotic or does it seem well-organized, with people working confidently, as if they know what they are doing?

This list is not intended to be exhaustive, in fact, it should help you generate other, more personal questions.

As with homeowner interviews, I cannot encourage you strongly enough to ask any questions you may have. Nothing is off limits concerning your project or the company you're interviewing. Asking good, detailed questions is the heart of your due diligence.

If you don't question thoroughly, you're giving up your responsibility in this process and possibly compromising the quality of your project, if you do, you're a lot more likely to end up with a contractor who can build you the project you've been dreaming of, without compromising your sanity or financial security.

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