Reference Checklist

To avoid facing "Why-didn't-I-ask-that?" remorse, take this list with you when you meet the references provided by your prospective contractors or designers.

• Were there any surprise costs?
• Was the professional flexible?
• Was he or she willing to make changes as the project went along?
• Were subcontractors or crew members pleasant to do business with?
• Were your needs and wants taken into consideration, or were they simply glossed over because the pro considered him- or herself the expert?
• Was the paperwork in order?
• Are records complete?
• Did you have any problems after your remodeling project was complete? Was the person quick to fix them?