The interview kit
These questions expose weak contractors, which is exactly why we're publishing them. Each comes with why you're asking and what a good answer sounds like. Print it. Bring it to every interview. Including ours.
Why you're askingYou're hiring humans, not a logo. The superintendent and project manager determine your daily experience.
A good answer sounds likeNames, immediately, and an offer to introduce you. Hesitation here means the A-team is for someone else's project.
Why you're askingRecent, relevant experience beats a big portfolio of the wrong thing. Real references beat testimonials.
A good answer sounds likeSpecific projects, unprompted phone numbers, and zero flinch. Everyone's happy clients from 2019 don't count.
Why you're askingTable stakes — but you'd be amazed. Unlicensed work can void insurance and stall your certificate of occupancy.
A good answer sounds likeDocuments produced same-day without drama. 'The license is in a partner's name' is a red flag with a bow on it.
Why you're askingBids are won and lost in the exclusions. The cheapest number usually excludes the most.
A good answer sounds likeA line-by-line walk, exclusions named proudly, allowances flagged as guesses. Vague answers now are change orders later.
Why you're askingScopes change; that's construction. The difference between contractors is whether changes surprise you.
A good answer sounds like'Priced in writing, approved by you BEFORE work proceeds, never on the invoice first.' Ask them to describe their last messy one — honesty here predicts everything.
Why you're askingYou can pay your GC in full and still get liened by an unpaid sub. Waivers with every payment are the vaccine.
A good answer sounds likeA schedule of values tied to completed work, waivers automatic, no giant up-front payment. 'Half down' on a commercial job is not how the pros run.
Why you're askingIf the answer is 'call anytime,' the real answer is 'you'll be chasing us.'
A good answer sounds likeA system, not a promise: scheduled updates, photos, one point of contact. (Ours is a live dashboard. We think phone tag is a scope gap.)
Why you're askingThe #1 schedule killer. HVAC units, switchgear, and kitchen equipment can outwait your patience.
A good answer sounds likeAn answer from memory, with dates, and a plan to order early — sometimes before permits. Blank stares here cost you months.
Why you're askingEvery jurisdiction has quirks. Local fluency is worth weeks — sometimes months.
A good answer sounds likeThey name the city, maybe the plan checker, and a realistic timeline. 'Permits are easy' means they haven't pulled one there.
Why you're askingEvery project hits weather, inspectors, or surprises. You're testing whether you'll hear it early or late.
A good answer sounds likeA real story, told plainly, with what they did about it. Contractors who've 'never been late' have short memories or short careers.
Why you're askingThe end of a job reveals a company's character. Retainage exists because some contractors sprint the first 95% and ghost the last 5.
A good answer sounds likeA defined punch process with dates, a complete closeout package (as-builts, warranties, final waivers), and a clear one-year workmanship warranty.
Why you're askingFit matters both ways. A contractor stretching outside their lane learns on your dime.
A good answer sounds likeA specific answer about your project — not capacity, not revenue. The best contractors turn down bad-fit work; ask when they last did.
Including us. Especially us — we like all twelve. If everyone hires better contractors, buildings get better, and we sleep fine. (Most people who ask us all twelve end up hiring us anyway.)