QUESTIONS TO ASK A CONTRACTOR:

Is the company licensed and insured?
DOMINION BUILDERS is licensed and insured. Our Minnesota Contractors License number is 20290526 and a current copy of the insurance certificate will be provided in the initial company information packet.

Are the specialist sub-contractors contracted with the builder/remodeler licensed and insured, with a history of excellent workmanship?
DOMINION BUILDERS has built relationships with some of the best in the industry. We have an accounting system per project to ensure that each specialty contractor is compliant in license and insurance requirements. We work closely with our sub-contractors and make clear the expectations in conduct and workmanship that Dominion insists upon, and work together with a high level of respect for each individual’s expertise and integrity.

Does the company have an excellent reputation in workmanship and customer satisfaction?
DOMINION BUILDERS strives to go ‘above and beyond’ in respect to customer communication and satisfaction. We are a recognized Contractor of the Year (CoTY) award winner through NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, a prestigious award presented for excellence in design, quality and craftsmanship. Dominion is also a proud member of the BBB.

We work closely with our clients to form a relationship that allows us to understand the project and expectations completely in order to alleviate any issues throughout the process. References will most readily be offered.

Are the materials used by the contractor of the highest quality?
DOMINION BUILDERS insists on the best quality available with regards to products used on a client’s home. We will not cut corners by using inferior products.

Are the workers going to show up on time and stay focused on my project until it’s completed?
DOMINION BUILDERS is highly committed to maintaining the schedule that is set forth for our client’s project. A schedule will be provided at the Project Kickoff meeting soon after the contract signing. This schedule will be a strong guideline to completion and closely adhered to, and the Project Manager will communicate on a regular basis the anticipated daily schedule and contact the homeowner of any changes or deviations as needed. Our specialty sub-contractors are tentatively scheduled prior to contract signing and confirmed at signing to finalize a firm schedule. Having a long working relationship with these contractors, we are confident of their timely performance and reliability.

Of course, even in the most organized of projects unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances may arise, such as delay in materials or inclement weather. The homeowner also shares responsibility for maintaining a schedule by making timely decisions and providing access to the job site. Communication is key, and any revisions to the schedule are discussed and decided with the homeowner. Staying on schedule is extremely important to our process.

Is my home going to be protected while the work is being done?
DOMINION BUILDERS works closely with the homeowner to determine admittance and access to the project. Dominion’s Project Manager will be responsible for providing access to the sub-contractors as needed. Again, this process is discussed and determined prior to the project start date to ensure the homeowner is comfortable with the plan.

Is my home going to be treated with respect and kept safe and clean during the project?
DOMINION BUILDERS insists and expects that all sub-contractors provided entry to a project understand that our client’s home is to be highly respected and protected at all times. All precautions and preparations will be made with this in mind. Our projects are conducted and maintained in a manner that focuses on the homeowner. We understand, as do our sub-contractors, that we are guests in their home and keep this in mind throughout the process. Cleanliness is mandatory on our projects and the Project Manager will ensure this. The homeowner’s privacy is also highly regarded and will be maintained throughout the process.

Can you recommend a designer?
DOMINION BUILDERS is equipped and experienced to work with the homeowner to develop, design and build their desired project. The advantage to working collaboratively through the development phase is that it allows us to create a design that considers the overall budget and desired outcome of the project. However, if a homeowner already has plans, we most certainly can work with those as well.

Do you do competitive bidding?
DOMINION BUILDERS considers our work and experience to be superior in quality and value. We are rarely the cheapest. This leaves little incentive to do bids for homeowners’ intent on the lowest price. What we offer is the opportunity for a working relationship that is truly a collaborative effort to develop, design and deliver the desired outcome. Once a design is developed, initial numbers are run to determine whether the project fits within the homeowners’ budget. From that point features can be changed, added or removed to bring the project to the homeowners’ desirable level of investment and design.

Is the project bid a fixed bid price?
DOMINION BUILDERS provides the homeowner with a fixed bid price for the project. This allows the homeowner a comprehensive account of the details of the project and cost, while at the same time assuring the homeowner a predictable investment for the project. Dominion makes sure that the project review process and discussion is concise to include all of the details required to complete the project based upon the homeowners’ desired parameters and selections.

Dominion Builders does not practice deceptive bidding practices by initially low-ball bidding a project and then adding upcharges after the fact only to drive the price up.

QUESTIONS TO EXPECT A CONTRACTOR TO ASK YOU

What kind of project are you doing?
The more you know about your ideal project, the better. Look at magazines, visit stores, and search the Internet for inspiration. If you’re too busy to do the research, then you may have to call in a contractor to help you get started.

What is your budget?
Don’t be vague; the contractor must know how much you want to spend before he or she can guide you. If you have $15,000 for a bathroom remodel, that tells the contractor about the level of quality and elegance you desire. You set the budget, not the contractor. The contractor’s job is to work closely with you to maintain that budget and to provide the desired finished product.

How will you pay for this?
This may sound nosey, but nearly all contractors have stories about homeowners who didn’t have the means to pay for a project once the work was under way. You want to hire a company with a solid financial basis, and this question demonstrates this.

Are you and your spouse both committed to the project?
When one half of a couple wants a remodel and the other half doesn’t, there will be problems throughout the project. Contractors may turn down work from a couple that indicates that they will argue over the project. Resolve those issues before meeting a contractor, or postpone the remodel.

Have you ever remodeled before?
This lets the contractor know how well prepared you are for the chaos, dust and noise the remodel will bring. If you’ve done remodeling before you have an idea of what you’re getting in to. If not, it’s hard to convey the disruption a remodel can bring.

What are your concerns?
Even if the contractor doesn’t ask this question, you should answer it anyway. Every homeowner has concerns. Some worry the dog will escape in all the confusion. Some worry the noise and commotion will upset the neighbors. Some worry about the dust. To determine your own concerns, think about the worst things that could happen. Then share those worries with your contractor. You may be pleasantly surprised to find there are solutions to those issues.