What Should You Ask Contractor References Before Doing Business

When you’ve decided to take on an exterior remodeling project, finding a good, reputable contractor is crucial. Almost every homeowner has heard stories (or had personal experience) with a less-than-trustworthy contractor.

Want to protect yourself? Here’s why checking references and reputation is a critical step in your decision-making process.

The Importance of a Good Contractor

Many people are willing to take on home remodeling projects—exterior or interior. Across Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, a simple Google search can help you find local contractors who can tackle almost any task in a matter of weeks (or so they say).

But, like most Wisconsin and Illinois homeowners, you probably worry about getting yourself into a situation with a bad contractor. Exterior projects require a lot of precision and high-quality workmanship. If you get stuck with a subpar contractor, you could wind up paying much more than you bargained for.

What are the risks of hiring the wrong contractor? Well, financial loss is the biggest one that most people think of. But you may also experience project delays (or projects that are never finalized). What’s more, poor results from a bad contractor can void product warranties and leave you with a mess. 

It’s absolutely vital that you protect yourself and your home by choosing a reputable home renovation and remodeling company. Now, of course, as Wisconsin’s most recommended home remodeler, we put ourselves amongst the top companies in the area. At Weather Tight, we stand behind our work and always aim for complete customer satisfaction. We work with high-quality products and reputable installers to ensure every job is completed successfully.

But don’t just take our word for it. You should check certain factors (including background references) before agreeing to work with any exterior remodeler—yes, even Weather Tight. 

Why Checking Contractor References Matters

Before you work with anyone, it’s essential to check their reputation. Just like reading reviews about a product before you order it online, a little research can go a long way to helping you make wise, financially savvy choices. 

Contractor references and recommendations can give you a lot of insight into their past performance. References can help you verify some of the claims and promises a contractor might make. Checking on the background can ensure the reliability of any construction or remodeling company and help you avoid the red flags that come with a bad contractor.

One of the best places to find references is to talk to neighbors, friends, and family in the area who have had successful projects. If you aren’t sure where to start, ask the contractor for referrals from former clients so you can get honest, candid feedback.

Also, look at a company’s reputation online. Mistakes can happen with any job, but look closely at how the company resolved the error and made it right.

It’s also good to look for quality certifications from companies like Angi and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Certifications and awards can be hard to come by, and with a trustworthy consumer protection group, you can be assured that you’re working with a good company and contractor.

You may also want to look at the length of time the company has been in business in the area. Many “fly by night” remodeling companies may offer low-quality workmanship and discounted “one-size-fits-most” products. While it seems pennywise, it’s pound-foolish because these companies have often shuttered and moved on just when you start to notice gaps and issues in the work.

Questions to Ask Contractor References 

Are you wondering what to ask contractor references so you can find local contractors who are trustworthy? Of course, there’s no “magic question” that can guarantee you’re going to have a perfect experience. But there are a few basics that can help you get a pretty good feel for a contractor’s reputation and work ethic. 

Quality of the Work

The most important questions to ask a contractor reference are about the quality of the work and the customer’s satisfaction. For example, you may want to ask, “Were you satisfied with your final results?” or, “Would you be willing to share before and after photos of the home renovation project?”

Timeliness and Budget

Each home project can run into different costs, even for similar homes in the same neighborhood. So, asking how much a project cost may not give you a full picture. More importantly, ask, “Was the final cost within your agreed-upon budget?” You may also ask if the project was completed on schedule as promised and if there were any unanticipated delays. 

Communication and Professionalism

Ask customers about their experience with the contractor—were all the workers respectful of your property? Was the company easy to work with and good at communicating important information (timelines and plans)? How did the company address any issues or concerns that came up with the project?

Overall Experience and Recommendation

Ultimately, the best question is, “Would you work with this company or contractor again?” Repeat business is one of the most unmistakable signs that a contractor delivered on their promises and worked with integrity. Again, mistakes and missteps can happen, but what ultimately matters is if the customer is satisfied in the end. 

The Importance of a Job Done Right

Any company that works with your home should have a strong reputation. Don’t trust contractors unwilling to show you proof of insurance coverage, licensing, or photos of their past work. 

Exterior renovations and updates are an investment, and just like a financial investment, you wouldn’t put your money in something that wasn’t reputable and trustworthy. Pay attention to contractors who have been in business in your area for years. That means they’ll understand the unique needs of Wisconsin homeowners and the exterior products that can stand up to our sometimes unpredictable weather. 

Working with a trusted local contractor like Weather Tight takes a lot of worry off your plate. You know that you’re getting products customized for your specific home. You’re working with a local company that knows Wisconsin and understands the expectations and needs of those in the Midwest. 

What’s more, you’re working with a company that offers product warranties and guarantees. Because the craftsmanship is done right, you can trust that anything that goes wrong down the road will be covered. It provides true peace of mind. 

If you’re considering exterior updates for your home, reach out to Weather Tight today. We’re happy to discuss your needs and help you find the right fit for your home’s needs and budget.