Questions to Ask Door Contractors and Their References

Finding the right door contractor for your project may not be as easy as you expect. Contractors have unique qualifications, specializations and experience, so it’s important to find a contractor that has the skills and track record necessary to provide you with quality work in a timely manner. A good way to vet a potential hire is to ask plenty of questions.

Questions to Ask a Door Contractor

Here are some questions to ask on the phone and/or in person:

• How long has the door contractor been repairing and installing doors?
• Is the door contractor experienced in and equipped to perform the specific type of work that you need done?
• Does the contractor have any creative or technical input on the kind of work you need? For instance, do they think your existing door needs to be replaced? Are sliding doors or pocket doors realistic options given the structural features of the walls? What are the relevant considerations with regards to space and weatherproofing?
• Does the door contractor have a portfolio of references whom you may contact?
• What is the contractor’s timeline for bidding, delivering and/or installing the new door?
• Does the door contractor have current workers’ compensation and liability insurance coverage?
• Will the contractor provide a free written estimate?
• How does the contractor price parts and labor?
• What type of warranty does the door contractor provide?
• Will permits be needed for the project? If so, who will be responsible for getting them?
• Does the contractor use subcontractors? Can they complete all phases of the job?
• How and when do the contractors clean up after their work?
• Will the contractors provide a written contract detailing costs, payments and a plan for unforeseen modifications?

Questions to Ask a Door Contractor’s References

In addition to interviewing door contractors directly, ask each for a list of past customers who can tell you about their experiences with the company. Any quality door contractor should be happy to provide a list of five to 10 recent customers whom you can contact.

Here are some sample questions to ask the company’s references:

• What was the nature of your door project?
• Was the work completed in a timely manner?
• Were you satisfied with the quality of the work you received?
• Did you encounter unanticipated costs or contractual disagreements?
• Did you feel that you received a fair price?
• Why did you choose to work with this door contractor?
• What were you most pleased or displeased with?
• Would you hire this door contractor for another project?

Keep in mind that references provided by door installation contractors can be cherry-picked or even fake, so you’ll need to use your best judgment when researching them. To get greater assurance, consider hiring a Diamond Certified door company. All Diamond Certified companies have passed an in-depth rating process that most other companies can’t pass. Part of this process involves conducting telephone interviews of actual customers. References provided by a door installer are not equal in value to the large, random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified rating process. So, if you want quality, you’ll have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company.