Interviewing Bidders

Now you need to start talking to contractor, to get to know each contractor by asking them questions such as. Start with a short phone interview, internet call, and ask the following questions as part of the bid package.

• How many years have you been in business?
• How large is your work crew?
• How many of your crew are permanent employees?
• What is your current workload?
• How quickly can you return the bid to us?
• Please provide pictures of similar work.
• Please provide references.

If you have several contractors to talk to, it is faster and easier to include the interview questions in the bid package so you don’t have to spend a lot of time talking to people on the phone. Indicate in the bid package that the contractors must submit answers at least seven (7) days before the bids are due, in case you need to ask any follow up questions or invite more bidders.

Use the list of Contractor Interview Questions. Use it to record each contractor’s responses.

Contractors will all want to visit with you in person. Let them know that there are pre-bid meeting dates available, and that the details are in the bid package. You’ll have time to talk with them then.

As you talk to interested bidders, include their company and contact information on the Bidders’ List Form.

Only include people you actually talk to. Once you know they are interested bidders, email them the bid package you prepared during Bidding – Preparing the Bid Package.

TIP: If you are not sure, whether you should use a general contractor, please read or re-read To Use a General Contractor or not. Answers to the survey at the end of that section will help you decide whether you should hire a general contractor.