Questions to ask GC?

10 years ago

I'm trying to find a GC for my kitchen and bath remodel, which involves moving non-load bearing walls. I've read a bunch of GW threads and Houzz articles on general questions to ask contractors, but I'm wondering about work-specific questions that distinguish a quality GC from a not-quality GC? I've gotten some referrals and read reviews, but then I talk to the GC and have doubts about how they plan to do the work.

Two items that have come up are following RRP process for lead based paint and waterproofing the shower. Any similar topics I should make sure to ask about and educate myself on? where mediocre GC will give a different answer than quality GC? Or common issues where work would be below standards for GW pros but not noticed by the average homeowner?

Thanks in advance!

Featured Answer

User

10 years ago

Seeing previous work or talking to satisfied prior clients is a better gauge than talking to the actual person for verifying work ability.

However, the more someone says "No problem" or "Don't worry about that" the more red flags should go up. The less they want to explain how/what/when something is done, the more suspicious you should be. That does not mean they have to explain why they used six nails on a board or they should tell you why they used a sandwiched header, just basic explanations about the job. Like using a water proof membrane under the shower pan and what waterproofing they do on the walls.

IMHO, a good GC should explain most of the job like that without questions. An educated customer is a happier customer.

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Comments (6)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
You should be investigating the reputation of the contractor. Period.

I just had titanium drilled into my jawbone. I did not ask my oral surgeon the brand of screw he used or the manufacturer's installation instructions. I did not shop. My dentist, whom I really like, told me to go across the parking lot to get it done. I did and now I have a nice expensive new tooth.
caligirl5 thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
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jellytoast
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
The regulations for lead paint are so strict in Cali that I'd be surprised if many contractors were following them to the letter, if at all. If following the rules to the letter is something that's important to you, stress that and be willing to pay for it.
caligirl5 thanked jellytoast
caligirl5
Original Author
10 years ago
I hear you on focusing on reputation--I'm finding it a hard thing to determine. I read online reviews, though I'd rather not rely on them exclusively. I did have a few GC referrals from neighbors. One I was planning to hire, had good reviews and other references, but it turned out we weren't on the same page with the lead paint and waterproofing. Since our judgement was so different on these issues, I felt like I didn't trust his decision-making. Not that he's dishonest, just not doing things the way I would want.

For the lead paint, I'm mostly concerned with safety. Several GCs have told me they ignore the risk of lead paint and take no additional precautions. That didn't sound OK to me, and pros in the Old House forum seemed to agree. If a GC acknowledged it is a risk and explained how he would keep lead paint from spreading all over my home, I would be fine with that if it wasn't 100% with the regulation.

Good news is that today I heard back from another GC who seems promising :)
User
10 years ago
Lead paint is not a problem when left undisturbed or painted over. In fact, abatement can legally be done a certain height above the floor and leave the rest. And, unless there are children who eat the paint off the walls/trim, lead paint is just not a safety issue. Just like asbestos, which also is not a problem unless disturbed and friable(able to be crushed by human hands). Or radon gas---Canada's regulations and treatment of radon gas issues is far less invasive than the US.

Abating the first two can be very expensive and can actually increase the dangers if improperly done. It takes special training and equipment to abate lead/asbestos. Most construction companies know the dangers and prefer not to have clients spend extra thousands to fix a problem that can be painted over and made safe..
caligirl5 thanked User
caligirl5
Original Author
10 years ago
The project involves taking out several plaster walls, so it is definitely getting disturbed. I had it tested, and all the walls in the house aren't lead paint--just most of the ones I want to remove ;) Here's the thread where we discussed before

Luckily no asbestos.