Questions to ask get a quick first idea of construction quality

[Mei Li]

Hope you all having an amazing day. :)

This is a very open-ended question. Let's say there's a listing of fourplex. Building is 80 years old but recently remodeled and looking like new both interior and exterior.

My question is:

1. How do you define low-quality, standard, high-quality construction/remodel work? (This can be qualitative or quantitative)

2. What 3 questions would you ask to get a quick and rough first idea of what quality of work the property is?

Any comment is appreciated!

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Best,

May

[Kenneth Garrett]

@Mei Li

That is a very difficult question to answer.

You can look at the quality of the materials.  For example pine trim versus oak trim, solid core doors versus hollow core.  That only addresses the materials not the craftsmanship.  Remember saying that the construction meets all building codes is only saying it meets the minimum standard of the code.  The building is only a minimum standard.

1. Was the work performed by licensed contractors.

2.  Was a permit pulled and did all inspections pass.  If not, what deficiencies were identified.  You can FOIA that information at the city/county.

3.  References are probably your best bet on quality.  Call the references you be surprised what people will say even though they were happy with the work.  Example; project took an extra 30-60 days to complete.  The reference had to call the contractor numerous times, which means pretty poor communication.

Good Luck.