Choosing a contractor is the most important decision in a renovation. In New York City, where buildings, boards and permits add complexity, the right questions at the start can prevent most problems later. Here are twelve to ask every contractor you interview.
Credentials
1. Are you licensed for home improvement work in New York City? The city requires contractors doing home improvement work on residential property to hold a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Ask for the license number and check it.
2. What insurance do you carry, and can you meet my building's requirements? Co-ops and condos require specific liability, workers' compensation and disability coverage, with the building named as additional insured. A contractor who works in these buildings regularly will know the limits.
3. Who does the plumbing and electrical work? These trades must be licensed in NYC. Ask who they are and whether they file the permits.
Experience
4. Have you worked in buildings like mine? A pre-war co-op, a new condo tower and a landmarked brownstone each bring different rules and conditions.
5. Can I speak with recent clients? Ask for references from projects similar in size and building type, and ask those clients about communication and how problems were handled.
6. Do you work with architects and interior designers? If you have a designer, the contractor needs to build accurately from their drawings and coordinate with them through the project.
Running the project
7. Who will be on site every day? Know who supervises the work and who you call with questions.
8. How do you handle the board package and building rules? The contractor should prepare its part of the approval package, follow work hours and protect common areas. Our article on the board package lists what boards typically ask for.
9. What is the schedule, and what could change it? A realistic schedule includes approvals, lead times for materials and inspections, not just construction.
Money and changes
10. How are payments structured? Payments tied to clear stages of completed work are easier to manage than large payments in advance.
11. How are changes priced and approved? Changes happen in every renovation. Ask how they are documented and approved in writing before the work is done.
12. What happens at the end? Ask how the punch list, permit sign-offs and the return of the building deposit are handled, and what support is offered after completion.
Questions for us
Gurri Remodel is a licensed NYC remodeling contractor that has renovated apartments, townhouses and homes in Manhattan and Brooklyn since 1997, working with owners, architects and interior designers. We welcome these questions. Read about our process, see our client reviews and projects, or contact us to talk about your renovation.