Basement Contractor Interview Questions

When it comes to basement projects, choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions that you have to make. BasementRemodeling.com understands this, which is why we have prepared a full list of questions for you to ask your contractor during your next in-house interview. Before you go looking any further for a contractor, however, please allow us to be your first interview by reviewing our answers below.

1. 1. How long has your company been in business?

   BasementRemodeling.com began over 15 years ago in 2009, and we have successfully renovated over 1,100 basements since then. The owner's construction background dates back to the early 2000s.

2. 2. How is your company organized, and what is your service area?

   BasementRemodeling.com is a family-owned Limited Liability Company (LLC) with headquarters and showroom operations in Hyattsville, Maryland. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

   In Maryland, our primary service areas include Montgomery, Howard, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Frederick, Carroll, Harford, Charles, Calvert, and Washington counties. In Virginia, we provide basement remodeling services throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Fauquier, Stafford, Arlington, and Clarke counties, as well as the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax.

3. 3. What types of construction projects do you specialize in?

   As the name suggests, we specialize exclusively in basements. This type of remodeling is what we take the most pride in, and it is what we do best.

4. 4. What sets your company apart from other contractors?

   At BasementRemodeling.com, we care about our reputation and always do our best to satisfy our clients. Our excellent local reputation is further evidenced by hundreds of positive reviews on Yelp, Google, Angi, Houzz, and elsewhere. Other contractors will say they can remodel anything, but in reality, each area of the house requires a specialist. We stick with what we know and get it right the first time.

5. 5. Have you ever operated under another name?

   BasementRemodeling.com is our trade name; our legal name is ACH Group, LLC. We previously operated under the name Basement Masters.

6. 6. What type of license do you have? What is the number?

   BasementRemodeling.com holds the following licenses:

   • Washington D.C. Class A General Contractors License: Reg. number 410516000631.
   • Maryland Home Improvement Commission Corporate License: Reg. number 129172.
   • Virginia Class A Contractor License: Reg. number 2705159425.

7. 7. Are you insured? If so, what kind of insurance, and for how much?

   We are fully insured and committed to transparency and professionalism. BasementRemodeling.com carries $2,000,000 in general liability insurance, $3,000,000 in umbrella coverage, and full workers’ compensation insurance.

8. 8. Do you have design services available?

   Yes, we offer a free floor plan with every proposal, unlike most other contractors who will not send you a floor plan until you sign with them. We also offer complimentary interior decorating services that cover paint jobs, accents, flooring, and more. Depending on the size and scope of the project, you may need an additional architect or structural engineer.

9. 9. What sort of financing plans do you offer?

   We work with a few financing partners. Learn more on our Financing Offers page.

10. 10. What is your warranty?

    Every project comes with a one-year labor warranty.

11. 11. What is your BBB rating? Do you have any complaints?

    Our BBB rating is a perfect A+. We have never had any complaints filed against us on the BBB — or anywhere else, for that matter.

12. 12. Have you ever won any awards?

    Yes. BasementRemodeling.com has earned national and regional recognition throughout our 15+ years in the industry. Highlights include:

    • INC 5000 — named one of America’s fastest-growing private companies.
    • Featured on Fox Business Network’s Trending Today program for our innovative approach to basement transformation.
    • Qualified Remodeler Top 500 — ranked among the nation’s top 500 remodeling companies.
    • Featured expert on CNBC’s HouseSmarts TV.
    • Best of Houzz Service Award — awarded for multiple consecutive years to the top 3% of professionals on Houzz.
    • Angi Super Service Award — earned consecutively for many years, given to fewer than 5% of providers on Angi.
    • Best Pick Reports Certified — independently verified for quality, reliability, and customer service.
    • EPA RRP Lead-Safe Certified Firm.
    • Pro Remodeler 40 Under 40 — our founder and CEO, Pavel Abaev, honored as a top young leader in the remodeling industry.

    Visit our Recognitions page to learn more.

13. 13. May I have a list of references for projects you have completed that are similar to my own?

    Absolutely. We have a 10-page list of references available upon request — please email us at contacts@basementremodeling.com.

14. 14. Do you need any special permits for my project?

    Yes. Every basement finishing and remodeling project requires a specific set of permits, depending on your county’s laws. Our permits include, but are not limited to, building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection. There are typically between 5 and 8 inspections that we have to pass during this process. Note: By having a contractor’s work inspected, your local government ensures that your project is completed according to the most current building codes.

15. 15. Do you have employees, or do you hire subcontractors?

    At BasementRemodeling.com, we have a well-educated and certified in-house team of interior decorators, designers, project managers, carpenters, and plumbers. We also work with licensed subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work, as well as trusted trade partners who specialize exclusively in their craft, including framing, insulation, drywall finishing and installation, painting, and flooring. In-house, our team handles all of the punch-out and the fine details that bring each project together. The combined experience of our employees and trade partners is over 250 years.

16. 16. How do you manage projects? Who will be in charge?

    Every project is led by a dedicated project manager who oversees scheduling, quality control, and clear communication, keeping you fully informed at every stage. You will also be paired with an assigned interior designer who will guide you through finish selections to ensure the final result reflects your vision.

17. 17. What are your hours of operation?

    Our normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. We can also work on Saturdays if needed.

18. 18. What is the typical procedure for an average job site?

    BasementRemodeling.com strives to maintain your privacy at all times. Nobody will need to enter any room besides your basement. We install a temporary door lock on your basement’s door (with the key secured in a lockbox right beside it), and we supply our own portable restrooms on the premises.

19. 19. Is there an official contract for the project?

    Yes. Every contract includes an itemized list of everything that needs to be done, along with starting dates, deadlines, and an easy-to-follow payment schedule.

20. 20. What is your payment schedule?

    Each job has 4 equal payments:

    • 1st payment — due on the first day.
    • 2nd payment — due after the rough-in plumbing, electrical work, and framing have passed inspection.
    • 3rd payment — due upon 75% completion of all work.
    • Final payment — due when the job is 100% complete and all final inspections have passed.