Ask Your Contractor the Right Questions
Choosing the right contractor is key to creating a resilient, durable, sustainable home that will last. But how do you know that your contractor shares your vision, understands your needs, and has the expertise to bring it to life? It starts with asking the right questions. This guide is designed to help you start those critical conversations and identify contractors that align with your project.
Top Questions
- Does your staff have sustainable certifications such as LEED, Well, or Passive House?
- What is your most recent project that incorporated sustainable building practices?
- What practices were employed? Can you provide the property owner’s contact as a reference?
- What certifications, if any, may suit this building? What do these certifications illustrate about your sustainable building experience?
- Are there multiple improvements that can be accomplished when paired together? For example, when re-siding for fire hardening, add rigid foam insulation on the exterior to improve energy performance and comfort.
Heat Pumps
- What type of electric heat pump systems do you specialize in (air-source, ground-source, ductless)
- How do you determine the appropriate heat pump size for a building?
- What is the most effective heat pump for this climate?
- Are incentives or rebates available for the heat pumps you install in this area? Do you assist in applying for them?
Energy Efficiency
- Do you conduct energy audits, and how do you identify areas where efficiency can be improved?
- What insulation or sealing methods do you recommend to improve building efficiency in this climate?
- How do you integrate renewable energy systems like solar panels with energy-efficient building designs?
- What certifications or training do your staff have in energy efficiency best practices?
Wildfire Preparedness
- What fire-resistant materials do you recommend for siding, roofing, and decking?
- How do you evaluate a property’s defensible space, and what improvements would you suggest for wildfire mitigation?
- Do you collaborate with local fire departments to ensure compliance with community wildfire preparedness guidelines?
Water Conservation
- What low-flow or water-efficient fixtures do you recommend, and why?
- How do you evaluate and design landscaping that uses water-efficient practices?
- Have you worked on any projects incorporating drought-resistant landscaping or irrigation systems?
Sustainable Materials
- What sustainable materials do you recommend for framing, insulation, and finishes?
- How do you ensure that materials sourced for a project are environmentally friendly and responsibly produced?
- Are you familiar with using salvaged or recycled materials that meet sustainability certifications? (e.g., FSC. Cradle to Cradle)?
Heating Systems
- How do you approach retrofitting older homes with modern, efficient heating systems?
- Are you familiar with integrating smart thermostats and controls into your heating systems?
- What is your experience with hybrid heating systems, and what building are they best suited for?
Electrification
- What is your process for transitioning gas systems to full electrification in existing homes?
- Can you assess whether my home’s electrical panel will need an upgrade to handle additional demand?
- What technologies, like heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), do you recommend pairing with electrified HVAC systems?
- Are you familiar with integrating battery storage with renewable energy sources for increased resilience?
Tips for the Interview Process
- Prioritize Collaboration: Choose someone who understands your goals, listens, and communicates effectively.
- Check Credentials: Confirm that your contractor has relevant and up-to-date certifications.
- Discuss the Budget: Understand whether their recommendations align with your budget.
- Ask for a Timeline: Determine whether the project schedule fits within your expectations.
