Trade Magazines

If you have a superb public library, you should visit the periodical section one afternoon and start to browse. You will be amazed at the hundreds of trade publications.

Some of the publications are offered to members of the trade at no cost. They are supported entirely by advertising. There are many of these in the residential construction field. If you want to get the magazine and can't convince the publisher that you have a construction company, you often can still get the magazine for a modest fee in most cases.

Here are some excellent FREE trade publications if you are interested in them:

• Remodeling
  www.remodeling.hw.net
• Qualified Remodeler
  www.qualifiedremodeler.com
• Kitchen and Bath Business
  www.kbbonline.com

Here are ones that cost money but they are well worth it:

• Builder
  www.builderonline.com
• Professional Builder
  www.probuilder.com
• Fine Homebuilding
  www.finehomebuilding.com
• Journal of Light Construction
  www.jlconline.com
• Custom Builder
  www.housingzone.com
• Old House Journal
  www.oldhousejournal.com

Related Articles: Find a Pro by Asking the Right Questions, Asking Your Contractor Questions, Building & Remodeling Magazines & Associations.

Contractor Interview Questions - If You're a Millionaire, STOP reading now

Contractor interview questions are extremely important. You must convince yourself that you're hiring a person that will:

• respect you and your property
• is honest
• is trustworthy
• finish the job for the agreed-upon price to your satisfaction

Do Professionals Refuse to Answer Questions?

No, a professional understands your anxiety. She/he understands that many other homeowners have been taken to the cleaners by dishonest and bottom-feeder contractors. Shifty contractors will get uncomfortable very fast when you start to ask too many questions.

What's at Stake If I Just Hope the Contractor is Great?

Your money and peace of mind. If either of those two doesn't matter to you, then just sign the contract and get on with your life. If you don't care about losing thousands of dollars by hiring a dishonest contractor, then you can just stop reading now.

It's important to realize that you should have complete confidence you have the right person for the job. Don't make a decision based on hope. You only hope for something when you can't control the outcome.

You can control what contractor works for you.

How Did You Come up with These Questions?

I was lucky enough to interview a seasoned police department detective for this column. His name was Donald Clark and he had interviewed hundreds of people over his career about countless topics. "Tim, people love to talk about themselves. When you ask questions in the right way and the right order you'd be surprised what the person will gush out," Don told me during the interview. Don suggested many of the following questions as they open a window into the average person's feelings about all sorts of things.

You may want to modify the order of the questions. A question I propose may stimulate a question you feel is important. Remember, YOU control the interview.

The contractor is on the hot seat, not you. If at all possible, try to have a spouse present with you. Have the spouse ask some of the questions. Don't be shy. Remember, the contractor has sat through many a presentation, while this may be your first attempt.

Open up the discussion by telling the contractor, "It's important to me/us that I/we get to know you. I need to trust that you are the right person to work in my home." Words similar to that set the stage quite well!

• How many people - direct employees - work for your company?
  This answer will give you an indication of company depth.
• What are their job descriptions?
  This answer tells you if the contractor has adequate support staff.
• What do they do each day?
  You should get a feel if the people are full or part-time.
• How many jobs does your company have in progress right now?
  Will your job be lost among these?

• What is the average number of jobs you do at the same time?
  Does this number seem in line with the amount of support staff
• Do you have any other outstanding bids right now?
  If these turn into jobs, will your job drop to the bottom of the list?
• Do you work from your home?
  This can be a sign of under-capitalization. I never had an office of my own, so ask more if this is important to you.
• How do you manage your jobs on a day-to-day basis?
  All jobs require management. Ask for details! Who checks for quality, mistakes, and progress?
• Who will be on-site and in charge of my job each day?
  Get a name and cell phone/pager number!
• Have you or your company ever been sued before?
  The truth is available in the courthouse records!
• Have you or your company ever sued anyone or filed mechanics liens before?
  What happened? Why the disagreement?
• What is the worst building experience that happened to you?
  Listen! What is the story behind the tale?
• What has been your best building experience?
  Listen! What is it he/she likes to do? Ask why.
• What are your business ambitions?
  Are the words quality, customer satisfaction in the answer? If you hear, "...make a lot of money..." WATCH OUT!
• Have you ever been on unemployment before?
  Many people have. Ask why, how long.
• What is the longest amount of downtime you experienced between jobs?
  A contractor in demand has little or no downtime.
• Who were your two best customers? Why?
  Listen! Do you sound similar or opposite?
• Who were your two worst customers? Why?
  Listen very closely..... do you sense a conflict on the horizon?
• Who do you most admire? Why?
  It better be the person's spouse or a close family member.
• Do you volunteer to work at your church? Describe.
  Need I say more?
• Do you have children? Ages?
  If so, does the contractor seem interested in them? Sense any negativity?
• Do you do volunteer work at your child's school? Describe.
  Coaching, PTO, committees, etc?
• Have you/your company ever caused/been involved in an accident that caused someone to receive hospital treatment or be hospitalized?
  This is ANY accident. Automobile, construction incident, etc.
• What is the dumbest thing you ever did?
  Was this recent activity or a childhood mistake?
• What is the smartest thing you have done?
  Look for wisdom here. Do you sense intelligence or luck?
• May I please inspect the inside of your truck or car?
  This tells/shows organizational skills.
• Do you use sub-contractors?
  Most contractors do.
• What is the average length of time they have worked for you?
  You are looking for 5 or more years here!
• Do these individuals have Workman's Comp & General Liability coverage?
  Better be a "Yes!
• Can you supply me with the individual certificates from each company to prove this? When will I have them?
  Stop the conversation and write down the day he says they will be delivered.
• May I please see your driver's license?
  He/she may not have one! DUI, suspension, etc. Stranger things have happened!
• What are your two favorite hobbies?
  Everyone needs to unwind. Listen to things that you like.
• What is the title of the last book you read?
  Listen! This answer tells you much about personal interests
• What trade magazines do you subscribe to?
  Ask to borrow some back issues for design ideas.
• Do you have Internet access?
  In today's world, it should be a "Yes!"
• What are your 2 favorite building & remodeling websites?
  Go visit them. See what you can learn.
• When was your last vacation?
  It better be within the past 18 months.
• Where did you go?
  Modest or extravagant
• Do you plan to vacation during my job?
  If "Yes", who will manage in his/her absence?
• What do you want to accomplish in life?
  Listen again. Is it a selfish answer or one that has a sharing theme?
• Do you belong to any professional associations?
  A "Yes" would be preferable, but not necessary.
• If "Yes", do you attend regular meetings or hold an office within the association?
  Active membership tells you a Pro is answering the question!
• Do you attend national trade conventions?
  Ask where and when. Where is the next one? Go to www.nahb.com to find out!
• Have you taken any continuing education classes?
  In what areas?
• Where do you bank?
  Is it local?
• Do you have a separate company bank account?
  Mixing funds in one account is a recipe for disaster.
• Do you supply notarized affidavits or release of liens BEFORE I give you payments of any kind?
  This must be a "YES!" It is unconditional.
• Do you invest in the stock market?
  Doesn't have to be a "Yes", but is this person a forward thinker - a planner?
• Who are your top three material suppliers?
  Contact the general manager or accounts receivable person at each place. Is the contractor in good standing?
• Have you ever declared bankruptcy or operated a company under a different name?
  Listen to this answer!

Construction Deficit

Homeowners across the nation are victimized each and every day by builders and remodelers who really don't know what they are doing. These builders and remodelers are often referred to as non-professionals. Well that is true, however, very few people that I have come into contact with have ever discussed the root of the problem.

When I decided that I was going to be a builder and a remodeler, I just started doing it. Fortunately, I didn't try to tackle projects that were totally beyond my capabilities. But, I constantly was experimenting with products and techniques. I was an amateur chemist, as I would apply paints, adhesives, add water to concrete, etc. without bothering to really find out what was happening. In many cases I found out very quickly what happened, as the installation was botched. I licked my wounds, repaired the damage and went on. It didn't take too long to figure out that these mistakes were costing me money.

Homeowner Losses

The problem, however, is that the vast majority of the time, the problems associated with improper installation appear long after the installer has cashed your check. You are left holding the bag. My guess is that millions of dollars a year are spent on premature replacement and repairs of materials that have been improperly installed.

You can avoid this happening on your next building or remodeling project. The trick is to hire an individual who has decided to take his or her professionalism to the highest level. These individuals are the ones who invest time in reading. They take the time to read exactly how a particular item is supposed to be installed. They read as much as they can about new products and construction techniques. More importantly, they read the technical trade journals that specifically explain just how some things work in building and remodeling.

Examples

For sake of discussion I will give you some examples. Concrete is a very popular topic with many of my readers. Every time I write a column concerning concrete I get a big response.

I attended a conference sponsored by the Portland Cement Association in the fall of 1994. We discussed the installation of residential concrete. The consensus of the group was that over 90 percent of residential concrete is finished improperly! How, might you ask? It's very simple. Almost invariably, concrete finishers will sprinkle water on a slab as they finish it. They do this because the concrete is getting away from them. They do not realize that this added water is severely weakening the top 1/8 inch of the concrete. This added water is diluting the amount of cement at the top of the slab.

The reason that many finishers continue this practice is because it was the way they were taught! Too much information in residential construction is passed along verbally or by experimentation. Very few individuals have self-educated themselves or taken the time to read the many fine pieces of literature that are readily available.

Another example is lumber shrinkage. Just about everybody knows that lumber shrinks as it dries out. But how many builders and remodelers do you think know that this shrinkage is not equal in all dimensions of a piece of lumber? Across which dimension does a piece of lumber shrink the most? Why is this important to know?

I'll tell you why it is important to know. If you have been a victim of drywall nail pops, this information could have helped you. If your new cedar or redwood siding developed splits this could have helped you.

Just for the record, wood shrinks the greatest amount across the face of the grain. It shrinks the least (actually hardly at all) along its length. If you visualize an 8 foot long 2x4, this means that the 2x4 will virtually always remain 8 feet long. But, when shipped from the log mill, most 2x4's measure 3-1/2 inches wide. If a particular 2x4 has not been adequately dried, after installation and drying, this 2x4 might measure 3-5/16 inches! It lost 3/16 inch! And you wonder why seams open up in your hardwood floor, or why plywood buckles. Remember, this same movement will occur in the opposite direction when wood swells!

In the May 20, 2016 AsktheBuilder Newsletter, Dorina got ripped off by a contract installing a replacement septic tank. CLICK HERE to read her story!!

For many years, I was oblivious as to the anxiety that homeowners experienced concerning the selection of a builder or remodeler. This anxiety was brought to my attention during a consumer panel discussion in Washington D.C.which took place in the spring of 1993. The homeowner panelists who answered questions indicated to the remodelers in the room that they were frightened about the prospect of hiring a contractor. They made it very clear that large sums of money were at stake and they were placing their most valuable possession, their house, in the hands of a stranger. My guess is that you have or are experiencing this same anxiety. I hope the following tips will aid you in spotting the professional.

Tips for Finding Professional Contractors

First and foremost, professional contractors are also business people. This is a very important quality. Your remodeling or building project is also a major business transaction. The professional will have the staff or the ability to handle all of the required paperwork in a timely fashion.

A professional will comply with all laws and regulations, both on a local and national level. Generally speaking, these laws are in place for the protection of people and property. A professional will respect these laws.

A professional will execute all change orders promptly and in writing. This practice helps to minimize confusion and disagreements.

A professional will return phone calls promptly. Twenty four to 36 hours is a reasonable expectation. Because a contractor may be tied up on a job or in a meeting, instantaneous response is not always possible. However, you will find out that when dealing with a pro, you will rarely need to phone him or her. They generally have things under control and you already know in advance what is supposed to happen.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local professional contractors who can build your new home.

Professionals are knowledgeable concerning project financing and how your project will enhance the value of your home. Studies are done on a regular basis which indicate the relative value of improvements. A professional is informed about these values and how and where to obtain financing.

Professional contractors are polite, well mannered and well groomed. They are clean and courteous. They respect your privacy and do not indulge in off-color jokes. Professionals refrain from profane language and will not pollute the air with loud or unwanted music. A professional who wishes to listen to music will request permission to do so and will listen to tasteful music that you also approve of.

A professional contractor is considerate of your house, its furnishings and the grounds. He or she will provide protection for all of the above when work is in progress.

Professionals will notify you in advance of disruptions to utilities. This will allow you plenty of time to prepare. These disruptions will generally be timed so as to cause minimum disturbance to your lifestyle.

A professional will not resort to 'special deals' in an effort to sell you his or her services. Their work and past record should be enough to prove to you their value. A wise homeowner recognizes that quality comes with a price tag. A professional does not have to 'discount' his or her services.

Professionals pay great attention to detail. They take notes at meetings. Nothing is left to chance. Follow up is a constant driving force. A professional will, in most cases, keep you abreast of all developments. There generally are no surprises.

A professional is honest. Integrity is a given. A professional will readily admit to a mistake. He or she will not hesitate to tell you what will be done to correct the mistake. There will be no excuses.

Professionals know the value of clean job sites. A clean jobsite is a safe jobsite. Production takes place at a higher rate. Clean-up is done on a daily or regular basis. Provisions are employed to minimize and control the spread of dust.

A professional will only request deposits for special order non-returnable items which need to be ordered in advance. A professional will sometimes request a deposit for other services or permits which are obtained prior to the start of work. These services, however, must be exclusive and must be for your benefit only.

A professional will take excellent care of his or her vehicle. Tools and equipment are also maintained on a regular basis. Organization of materials, tools and paperwork is evident on a professional's job site. There is never confusion.

Professionals pre-order materials. They call ahead. Professionals will readily make use of a supplier's free delivery policy. A professional will plan ahead so that materials are on site when needed. A professional generally never has to resort to 'crisis management'.

A professional charges a fair profit. This profit is then reinvested back into the business. Professionals know that they need to constantly upgrade their capital improvements. They want to continue to be in business. Profit is the only way to ensure that this will happen. They realize that they have to invest this profit, not take it in the form of a payroll bonus.

Professionals respond promptly to legitimate warranty or service calls. They do not hesitate to fix problems. They do not push blame onto something or someone else. They simply correct the problem and get your life back to normal.

A professional does everything possible to keep an appointment. They realize that you have adjusted your schedule and plans in order to meet. However, things happen. When and if an appointment has to be rescheduled, a professional will give adequate notice.

A professional will not hesitate to give a job cost breakdown. He or she knows that this often is the way in which you can see why the other contractors are the low bid. A professional has nothing to hide.

Professionals have all necessary insurance. Their policies are up-to-date and they can provide copies of all certificates of insurance. Frequently, professionals will automatically provide copies of their certificates with their quotations.

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In states that require licensing, professionals are always licensed. They can provide necessary documentation to prove that their license is current.

Professionals will provide a detailed description of the work they intend to do. There will be no questions as to who, what, when, where and why.

A professional will provide accurate start and completion dates. In the event of a change order during the course of work, a professional will readjust the completion date accordingly.

Professionals do not use high pressure sales techniques. They do not have to. Their work and reputation are all that they need.

The contract which a professional uses is clear and concise. It clearly spells out all responsibilities. Often it will have an article within the contract which allows for a fair procedure to settle any disputes.

Professionals possess a wide grasp of knowledge concerning building and remodeling techniques. They are experienced with past building practices. Not only are they aware of current building procedures, they are also aware of future trends.

A professional is often an active member of a trade association. Often, a professional will participate in seminars or other opportunities which will provide for continuing education.

Professionals can provide you with countless references. These individuals can be readily reached and will tell you both the contractor's strengths and weaknesses.

Often, a professional is a member of his or her local Better Business Bureau. They will often have a very good record. However, in the event that the B.B.B. tells you that a complaint or complaints have been filed, don't be alarmed. The more important issue is to ask whether or not the complaints have been resolved. A professional will resolve problems and the B.B.B. will be notified after the problem has been corrected.

CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local professional contractors who can build your new home.

Related Column:

Hunting For a Professional

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