When it comes to remodeling your house, the decisions you make during the planning and research are just as important as the actual execution of the project.
Among those decisions, choosing the right design-build construction contractor is paramount. Everything—including the cost, timeline and quality of craftsmanship—is influenced by the skills, services and business approach of your remodeling team. While there are no guarantees and you won’t actually know 100% you made the right decision until after your home renovation or addition is complete, you can still commit to carefully vetting prospective home improvement contractors in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area to find one worth betting on.Questions to Ask a General Contractor
So, how do you review candidates for your remodeling team in Wayzata, Minnesota? Checking websites, reading reviews and researching records are great places to start. However, the most effective method is to sit down with a couple of your top choices and ask them a slate of contractor interview questions. To help you get started, here is a list of some of the best questions to ask your builder before signing a contract—as well as a brief overview of what you can expect from Black Dog Homes:
1.How do we begin the process of working with a remodeler or new home builder?
The first step is to call our office, email us or fill out the online website form to describe your project. We will then reach out and set up a time to discuss your project in more detail and make sure we can confidently help you reach your home goals. After an introductory zoom or phone call, we’ll schedule an in person meeting at your home as a next step in the decision making process.
We know how important communication is to setting, managing and meeting expectations during the home remodeling process. You are welcome to reach out to us via email, phone call or by meeting in-person with your project manager. During the construction phase, you can receive up to date communication through our project management system.
2. What is our timeline for completion?
The timeline for each home addition or room remodel depends on the size and scope of the project. Typically, the partnership and planning phase takes two to four weeks, followed by a four- to eight-week design phase that is split into two parts. From pre-construction through completion, you should slot another three to four months. At Black Dog Homes, we establish a firm, detailed production schedule during the pre-construction phase and keep you abreast of any changes.
3. How can I monitor progress?
You will be heavily involved during the planning and design portion of your home improvement project, with plenty of back-and-forth conversation with your team. During pre-construction, our operations team provides access and onboards you to our project management software. This enables you to communicate with each trade partner, monitor daily job logs, look at photos and track real-time progress on your project.
4. Will I have a dedicated project manager?
Yes, you will have a dedicated project manager who serves as the primary point of contact, especially once construction is underway. Your project manager visits the job site daily, meeting subcontractors to discuss details and the work accomplished each day. The project manager tracks that data and shares it with you via the project management app.
5. What is your design and construction process?
Over the years, we’ve developed and refined a simple, six-step design-build process to give you an efficient, streamlined experience. These steps include: partnership and planning; initial design phase; final design phase; pre-construction; construction; and post-construction. Additionally, you will get a certificate of warranty and a project completion survey so you can leave final comments about your experience working with our team.
6. What is your creative inspiration?
Whether we’re building custom homes, room additions or remodeling projects, we draw our inspiration from the client. Our goal is not to tell you what you want, but to listen, provide insight and give you ideas about how to accomplish your vision. Aesthetically, our completed projects run the gamut in terms of architectural and design styles. As for our creative name? That comes from our black lab, Marley, who served as a daily reminder for us to approach our job with enthusiasm, loyalty, and excellence.
7. How do we resolve any disagreements?
We encourage open and honest communication, and we don’t want you to hesitate in reaching out if you have an issue. We will work with you to collaborate on a solution or compromise, using the signed construction agreement and drawings as a point of reference.
8. Is there a warranty for your service or for the materials you’ll be using?
As an established custom design-build contractor, we have the ability to offer you a variety of warranties on both materials and the work itself. We present you with the certificate of warranty after you inspect the job site and our team goes through a punch list to make sure everything is completed to your satisfaction.
9. Will I have a dedicated team working on my job?
Yes! During the initial design phase, we’ll select from our pool of professionals an architect and designer who seem like the best fits for your project. You will work with them over the next few weeks on designing your remodel. You also will have a project manager to coordinate among vendors, trade partners and the construction crew.
10. Can I see your certificate of insurance?
We are happy to provide you with proof of insurance and answer any follow-up questions about our coverage. You are also welcome to personally contact our insurance company to verify that our policy is genuine and up to date.
11. Do you have a contracting license?
Absolutely! We are licensed as a design-build firm. Our headquarters are out of Wayzata, Minnesota, although we serve the entire Twin Cities area. Our license number is BC594831. We are also accredited with the Better Business Bureau, with an A+ rating.
12. How long have you been in this business?
Black Dog Homes was founded in 2006, but company president Dan Vanderheyden’s introduction to the construction industry was way before that. As a child, he started woodworking with his father—their first project was constructing a soapbox derby car. His skills as a carpenter evolved over the years through a variety of projects, including hand-crafted furniture. Dan received his BA in Communications from the University of MN, and earned his MBA through Marylhurst University. Since establishing Black Dog Homes, Dan has brought together a highly competent team of trusted architects, designers, engineers and contractors for a truly team approach to our design-build process.
13. What kind of safety measures are in place to protect my family during the pandemic?
We’ve always prioritized health and safety, as demonstrated by our usual practices and procedures when on a job site. That commitment has only strengthened as we’ve confronted the COVID-19 pandemic. We have implemented a variety of safety measures to protect your family, from conducting meetings virtually when we can and scheduling in a way that limits the number of people onsite at one time to using face masks, social distancing and paying extra attention to sanitation.
14. How do you approach code compliance, inspection, selections, shortages, delays and change orders?
There are lots of details to keep on top of when you’re remodeling or expanding your Twin Cities home. We utilize cutting-edge technology, like our project management software, to communicate and keep a record of these details, including design selections, change orders, unexpected delays and other relevant information.
Remodeling Your Twin Cities Home? Ask Away!
Your home is a major investment and it’s natural to be selective about who you trust to help you protect and enhance that investment. That’s why there’s no limit on the number or type of questions to ask a contractor during an interview. If you need additional information from Black Dog Homes about our past experience, process or team members, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.
