Advertisement
14 Killer Questions to Ask Your Contractor: Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Author: Sarah Miller, Certified General Contractor (CGC) and experienced home renovation consultant with 15 years in the construction industry.
Publisher: Renovation & Design Magazine, a leading publication in the home improvement and construction sector, known for its in-depth articles and expert advice.
Editor: John Smith, Associate Editor at Renovation & Design Magazine, holding a degree in Architecture and over 10 years experience in editorial.
Keywords: 14 killer questions to ask your contractor, contractor questions, hiring a contractor, construction questions, home renovation, home improvement, pre-construction checklist, avoiding contractor scams, choosing a contractor, contractor interview, best contractor questions, essential contractor questions.
Introduction:
Embarking on a home renovation or construction project is exciting but also fraught with potential pitfalls. Choosing the right contractor is paramount to a successful project – one delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. This article provides you with 14 killer questions to ask your contractor, enabling you to make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes. Mastering these 14 killer questions to ask your contractor will significantly increase your chances of a positive outcome. Understanding how to use these 14 killer questions to ask your contractor is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring your peace of mind.
H1: The 14 Killer Questions to Ask Your Contractor: A Comprehensive Guide
Before you sign any contracts, meticulously review these 14 killer questions to ask your contractor:
1. Licensing and Insurance: "Can you provide proof of your contractor's license and general liability and workers' compensation insurance?" This is paramount. Unlicensed contractors often lack the necessary skills and insurance coverage, leaving you exposed to legal and financial risks. Verify the license's validity through your state's licensing board.
2. Experience and Specialization: "What is your experience with projects similar to mine, and can you provide references?" Look for specific experience relevant to your project (e.g., kitchen renovations, foundation repairs). References should include contact information and allow you to assess the contractor's past performance. Don't hesitate to contact multiple references. These 14 killer questions to ask your contractor are designed to reveal experience and capabilities.
3. Detailed Written Estimate: "Will you provide a detailed, itemized written estimate outlining all costs, materials, and labor?" Avoid vague quotes. A comprehensive estimate should break down every aspect of the project, preventing unexpected costs later. This is one of the most crucial among the 14 killer questions to ask your contractor.
4. Payment Schedule and Terms: "What is your payment schedule, and what are the terms of payment?" Discuss payment milestones tied to project completion stages, avoiding upfront lump-sum payments. Never pay in full before the project is finished and inspected.
5. Project Timeline and Completion Date: "What is your projected timeline for completion, and what contingency plans are in place for unexpected delays?" Discuss realistic timelines, including potential delays due to weather or material shortages.
6. Subcontractors and Communication: "Who will be your subcontractors, and how will you ensure effective communication throughout the project?" Understand who will be working on your property and how communication will flow between you, the general contractor, and subcontractors.
7. Permits and Inspections: "Are you responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and scheduling inspections?" Clarify the contractor’s responsibility for complying with building codes and regulations.
8. Materials and Warranties: "What type of materials will you be using, and what warranties do they come with?" Discuss the quality and source of materials. Inquire about warranties on both materials and workmanship. These 14 killer questions to ask your contractor are designed to protect your investment.
9. Changes and Modifications: "What is your process for handling changes or modifications to the original plan?" Establish a clear process for approving changes and their associated costs.
10. Cleanliness and Safety: "What are your procedures for maintaining a clean and safe worksite?" This ensures the safety of your family and property during the project.
11. Dispute Resolution: "What is your process for resolving disputes or disagreements that may arise during the project?" Establishing a clear dispute resolution mechanism upfront can prevent costly legal battles.
12. References and Case Studies: "May I see examples of your previous work, and talk to previous clients about their experiences?" Look beyond online portfolios. Visiting completed projects and speaking with past clients provides valuable insight.
13. Insurance Coverage for Damages: "What is your insurance coverage in case of accidental damage to my property during the project?" Verify that the contractor's insurance adequately covers potential damages.
14. Contract Review and Legal Counsel: "Will you provide a written contract outlining all aspects of the agreement?" Always have a lawyer review the contract before signing. Don't rush into signing anything. The contract is the most crucial document governing your project. Using these 14 killer questions to ask your contractor will help ensure the contract protects you.
H2: Beyond the Questions: Due Diligence is Key
Asking the 14 killer questions to ask your contractor is only half the battle. Thorough due diligence is crucial. Check online reviews, verify licenses and insurance, and take the time to meet with potential contractors in person. Your peace of mind depends on it.
H3: Conclusion
Choosing a contractor is a significant decision. By asking these 14 killer questions to ask your contractor, conducting thorough background checks, and ensuring you have a solid contract in place, you dramatically increase the chances of a smooth and successful project. Remember that proactive questioning saves time, money, and stress in the long run.
FAQs:
1. What happens if my contractor doesn't have insurance? You are personally liable for any accidents or injuries on your property.
2. Can I negotiate the payment schedule? Yes, but be prepared to justify your request.
3. What if the contractor goes over budget? A detailed estimate should mitigate this risk, but have a clear process outlined in the contract for addressing cost overruns.
4. How long should I expect the project to take? Timelines depend on the project's complexity, but get a detailed estimate upfront.
5. What if I'm unhappy with the work? Your contract should detail procedures for resolving disputes.
6. How can I check the contractor's references? Contact them directly to discuss their experience working with the contractor.
7. Is it essential to have a written contract? Absolutely. It protects both you and the contractor.
8. What should I do if the contractor doesn't obtain the necessary permits? You risk fines and legal issues. Ensure this is their responsibility.
9. Where can I find reputable contractors? Check online reviews, get referrals from trusted sources, and attend local home improvement shows.
Related Articles:
1. Avoiding Contractor Scams: Red Flags and Protection Strategies: Learn to identify common contractor scams and how to protect yourself.
2. Understanding Construction Contracts: A Homeowner's Guide: A comprehensive guide to understanding the legal aspects of construction contracts.
3. Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Budget: Tips on finding a contractor that fits your financial constraints.
4. Top 10 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Contractor: Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a successful project.
5. Negotiating with Contractors: Tips and Techniques: Learn how to effectively negotiate with contractors to get the best deal.
6. Home Renovation Checklist: Planning Your Dream Project: A comprehensive checklist for planning your home renovation.
7. Dispute Resolution in Construction Projects: Your Rights and Options: Understanding your legal options if disputes arise with your contractor.
8. The Importance of Project Management in Home Renovations: How good project management can prevent delays and cost overruns.
9. Building Permits 101: A Homeowner's Guide: Understanding the process of obtaining necessary building permits.
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Verity Colleen Hoover, 2021-12-16 Colleen Hoover brought you the beautiful, unforgettable It Ends With Us - now a major film starring Blake Lively. Now, discover her thriller with a twist that will leave you reeling . . . Verity is a global word-of-mouth hit, with over a million five star reviews from readers. Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night their family was forever altered. Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already-grieving father. But as Lowen's feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife's words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her . . . Before you start reading, ask yourself: are you ready to stay up all night? And if you love Verity, don't miss Colleen Hoover's thrilling new suspense - Too Late is out now. 1 MILLION READERS HAVE ALREADY GIVEN VERITY FIVE STARS 'One of the best thrillers I have ever read' ***** 'Powerful, mind-blowing and emotional' ***** 'The plot twists and that ending came out of nowhere' ***** 'There are no words. Bravo' ***** 'Dark, creepy, and one hundred per cent original' ***** 'I NEEDED to know how this was going to end' ***** 'Left me completely speechless' ***** VERITY was a No.1 Kindle bestseller on 18.03.22 Winner of The British Book Awards' Pageturner of the Year Award 15.05.23 |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Ask a Manager Alison Green, 2018-05-01 'I'm a HUGE fan of Alison Green's Ask a Manager column. This book is even better' Robert Sutton, author of The No Asshole Rule and The Asshole Survival Guide 'Ask A Manager is the book I wish I'd had in my desk drawer when I was starting out (or even, let's be honest, fifteen years in)' - Sarah Knight, New York Times bestselling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck A witty, practical guide to navigating 200 difficult professional conversations Ten years as a workplace advice columnist has taught Alison Green that people avoid awkward conversations in the office because they don't know what to say. Thankfully, Alison does. In this incredibly helpful book, she takes on the tough discussions you may need to have during your career. You'll learn what to say when: · colleagues push their work on you - then take credit for it · you accidentally trash-talk someone in an email and hit 'reply all' · you're being micromanaged - or not being managed at all · your boss seems unhappy with your work · you got too drunk at the Christmas party With sharp, sage advice and candid letters from real-life readers, Ask a Manager will help you successfully navigate the stormy seas of office life. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die Sarah J. Robinson, 2021-05-11 A compassionate, shame-free guide for your darkest days “A one-of-a-kind book . . . to read for yourself or give to a struggling friend or loved one without the fear that depression and suicidal thoughts will be minimized, medicalized or over-spiritualized.”—Kay Warren, cofounder of Saddleback Church What happens when loving Jesus doesn’t cure you of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts? You might be crushed by shame over your mental illness, only to be told by well-meaning Christians to “choose joy” and “pray more.” So you beg God to take away the pain, but nothing eases the ache inside. As darkness lingers and color drains from your world, you’re left wondering if God has abandoned you. You just want a way out. But there’s hope. In I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die, Sarah J. Robinson offers a healthy, practical, and shame-free guide for Christians struggling with mental illness. With unflinching honesty, Sarah shares her story of battling depression and fighting to stay alive despite toxic theology that made her afraid to seek help outside the church. Pairing her own story with scriptural insights, mental health research, and simple practices, Sarah helps you reconnect with the God who is present in our deepest anguish and discover that you are worth everything it takes to get better. Beautifully written and full of hard-won wisdom, I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die offers a path toward a rich, hope-filled life in Christ, even when healing doesn’t look like what you expect. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Open for Business: The Insider's Guide to Leasing Commercial Real Estate Tyler Cauble, 2018-01-22 For too long, commercial real estate expert Tyler Cauble has witnessed the damage caused by small business owners not knowing all the facts before signing a lease. He's working to change that. In this book, Tyler guides you through everything you need to know before renting commercial space. Whether you're looking for a new storefront, a location for your thriving business, or simply need to get out of the garage, Open for Business will show you how to determine space requirements, select a location, and negotiate your lease. If you don't want to do it on your own, Tyler shares how to find a broker who can help you-and save you money! Open for Business will demystify leasing commercial real estate and empower you to make the best decisions for your growing business. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Business Process Mapping J. Mike Jacka, Paulette J. Keller, 2009-07-07 Praise for Business Process Mapping IMPROVING Customer Satisfaction SECOND EDITION A must-read for anyone performing business process mapping! This treasure shares step-by-step approaches and critical success factors, based on years of practical, customer-focused experience. A real winner! Timothy R. Holmes, CPA, former General Auditor, American Red Cross Paulette and Mike make extensive use of anecdotes and real-life examples to bring alive the topic of business process mapping. From the outset, this book will engage you and draw you into the world of business process mapping. Who would have thought that reading about business process mapping could make you smile? Well, Mike and Paulette can make it happen! Within each chapter, the authors provide detailed examples and exhibits used to document a process. Each chapter also includes a 'Recap' and 'Key Analysis Points' which enable the reader to distill the highlights of the chapter. Barbara J. Muller, CPA, CFE, Senior Lecturer, School of Accountancy, W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University Keller and Jacka cut through the drudgery of process mapping with a path-breaking approach that enables the reader to better understand processes, how they work and how they work together toward successful achievement of business objectives. With great style and flair, this book will provide you with a different way of thinking and new tools to assist you in process analysis and improvement. This book is a must-read for auditors, risk managers, quality improvement management, and business process engineers. Dean Bahrman, VP and Internal Audit Director (Retired), Global Financial Services Companies Mike Jacka and Paulette Keller show their expertise with the application of business process mapping in increasing customer service and satisfaction in this updated and expanded edition of this popular book. With clear, practical examples and applications, this book shows the writing talents of both authors, and it will be used over and over by those from all lines of industries and professions. Kudos for a job well done! Joan Pastor, PhD, Founding Partner, Licensed Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, JPA International, Inc., Beverly Hills, California |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: L'Appart David Lebovitz, 2017-11-07 Bestselling author and world-renowned chef David Lebovitz continues to mine the rich subject of his evolving ex-Pat life in Paris, using his perplexing experiences in apartment renovation as a launching point for stories about French culture, food, and what it means to revamp one's life. Includes dozens of new recipes. When David Lebovitz began the project of updating his apartment in his adopted home city, he never imagined he would encounter so much inexplicable red tape while contending with perplexing work ethic and hours. Lebovitz maintains his distinctive sense of humor with the help of his partner Romain, peppering this renovation story with recipes from his Paris kitchen. In the midst of it all, he reveals the adventure that accompanies carving out a place for yourself in a foreign country—under baffling conditions—while never losing sight of the magic that inspired him to move to the City of Light many years ago, and to truly make his home there. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: No-regrets Remodeling Home Energy Magazine, Home Energy Magazine Staff, 1997 In No-Regrets Remodeling, the editors of Home Energy magazine show how new technologies and building practices can turn typical remodeling projects into opportunities for long-term benefits that add comfort and value to a home. Using over 100 detailed illustrations, the book describes how to avoid recurring problems including drafts, overheating, mold and mildew, peeling paint, rotting roofs, and indoor air pollution. Guides to selecting heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment, water heaters, insulation lights, and windows demonstrate the advantages of integrating energy efficiency into any remodeling plan. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Computerworld , 2006-05-22 For more than 40 years, Computerworld has been the leading source of technology news and information for IT influencers worldwide. Computerworld's award-winning Web site (Computerworld.com), twice-monthly publication, focused conference series and custom research form the hub of the world's largest global IT media network. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Repairing Your Flooded Home , 2010 When in doubt, throw it out. Don't risk injury or infection. 2: Ask for help. Many people can do a lot of the cleanup and repairs discussed in this book. But if you have technical questions or do not feel comfortable doing something, get professional help. If there is a federal disaster declaration, a telephone hotline will often be publicized to provide information about public, private, and voluntary agency programs to help you recover from the flood. Government disaster programs are there to help you, the taxpayer. You're paying for them; check them out. 3: Floodproof. It is very likely that your home will be flooded again someday. Floodproofing means using materials and practices that will prevent or minimize flood damage in the future. Many floodproofing techniques are inexpensive or can be easily incorporated into your rebuilding program. You can save a lot of money by floodproofing as you repair and rebuild (see Step 8). |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: The Professional Serial Killer and the Career of Ted Bundy Bonnie Rippo, 2007-02 In the pages of The Professional Serial Killer and the Career of Ted Bundy, you will find yourself eerily intrigued as the serial killer introduces himself to you. Say hello to your neighbor, partner, son, or daughter-whose dual identity now includes the facade of Politician, Clergyman, Lawyer, Contractor, or Compliance Officer. Your imagination will spark as you slowly but gradually become enamored to the serial killer's ingenuity, as an entrepreneur in the art of murder. Now that you are chillingly mesmerized by his charm, the serial killer takes great pleasure in his sting operation. Thrilled as he passionately and addictively perfects his art, the killer creatively refines his ruse for capturing his victims. In order to inflict the highest level of horror and pain each scene is designed to give the killer an ultimate high of sadistic pleasure. As you reel back and forth, from the disdain you feel for the killer, a sudden and unsuspecting sinking feeling erupts through your very being. The sensation that this is not a horror movie, illuminates your mind, and grasps your fascination with the question: How did this happen? A more intriguing question may be: When did this start? You may want to ask three-year old Ted Bundy. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Interiorscape , 1993 |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: House of Commons - Public Accounts Committee: The Border Force: Securing the Border - HC 663 Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Committee of Public Accounts, 2013-12-10 The Border Force's 7,600 staff operate immigration and customs controls at 138 air, sea and rail ports across the UK. It has a budget of £604 million for 2013-14, but is facing cuts. It has had to prioritise passenger checks at the expense of its other duties thereby weakening security at the border by neglecting other duties, such as the examination of freight for illicit goods, and checks in Calais on lorries to detect concealed illegal entrants. It was not able to meet and check up to 90,000 private planes or private boats arriving in the UK each year, leaving the UK border vulnerable and raising issues about resourcing and how priorities are set. The Border Force acknowledged that it had missed 8 of its 19 seizure and detection targets. Recommendations: set out how it will ensure that it delivers its full range of duties across all ports to provide the required level of national security; demonstrate that it can deliver its workload within the resources available; must address the gaps in the data it receives on people arriving in the UK, and the existing data needs to be cleansed to increase the quality, reliability and usefulness of the intelligence generated; set out how, and by when, it will have in place the functional IT systems it needs to underpin the security of the UK border; senior management must provide the organisation with a clear sense of purpose and tackle those barriers which inhibit the flexible and effective deployment of its staff. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: The Building News and Engineering Journal , 1882 |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Hit Man Rex Feral, 1983 Rex Feral kills for hire. Some consider him a criminal. Others think him a hero. In truth, he is a lethal weapon aimed at those he hunts. He is a last recourse in these times when laws are so twisted that justice goes unserved. He is a man who feels no twinge of guilt at doing his job. He is a professional killer. Learn how a pro gets assignments, creates a false identity, maizes a disposable silencer, leaves the scene without a trace, watches his mark unobserved and more. Feral reveals how to get in, do the job and get out without getting caught. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Executive Housekeeping Today , 1983 |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Farmer's Advocate and Home Magazine , 1905 |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Pacific Rural Press , 1890 |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Total Construction Management John S. Oakland, Marton Marosszeky, 2017-02-17 A convergence of lean management and quality management thinking has taken place in organizations across many industries, including construction. Practices in procurement, design management and construction management are all evolving constantly and understanding these changes and how to react is essential to successful management. This book provides valuable insights for owners, designers and constructors in the construction sector. Starting by introducing the language of total quality, lean and operational excellence, this book takes the reader right up to the latest industry practice in this sector, and demonstrates the best way to manage change. Written by two of the world's leading experts, Total Construction Management: Lean quality in construction project delivery offers a clearly structured introduction to the most important management concepts and practices used in the global construction industry today. This authoritative book covers issues such as procurement, BIM, all forms of waste, construction safety, and design and construction management, all explained with international case studies. It is a perfect guide for managers in all parts of the industry, and ideal for those preparing to enter the industry. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Building Your Own Home For Dummies Kevin Daum, Janice Brewster, Peter Economy, 2011-03-04 Keep construction on track with helpful checklists Turn your dream of a custom home into reality! Thinking about building your own home? This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to plan and build a beautiful home on any budget. From acquiring land to finding the best architect to overseeing the construction, you get lots of savvy tips on managing your new investment wisely -- and staying sane during the process! Discover how to: * Find the best homesite * Navigate the plan approval process * Obtain financing * Hire the right contractor * Cut design and construction costs * Avoid common mistakes |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Albion's Seed David Hackett Fischer, 1991-03-14 This fascinating book is the first volume in a projected cultural history of the United States, from the earliest English settlements to our own time. It is a history of American folkways as they have changed through time, and it argues a thesis about the importance for the United States of having been British in its cultural origins. While most people in the United States today have no British ancestors, they have assimilated regional cultures which were created by British colonists, even while preserving ethnic identities at the same time. In this sense, nearly all Americans are Albion's Seed, no matter what their ethnicity may be. The concluding section of this remarkable book explores the ways that regional cultures have continued to dominate national politics from 1789 to 1988, and still help to shape attitudes toward education, government, gender, and violence, on which differences between American regions are greater than between European nations. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Kenya National Assembly Official Record (Hansard) , 2010-06-23 The official records of the proceedings of the Legislative Council of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya, the House of Representatives of the Government of Kenya and the National Assembly of the Republic of Kenya. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: The Table Saw Book Kelly Mehler, 2003 Introduces the parts and workings of a table saw, shows how to operate it safely, and discusses crosscutting, ripping and joinery. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: The Book of the Dead Muriel Rukeyser, 2018 Written in response to the Hawk's Nest Tunnel disaster of 1931 in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, The Book of the Dead is an important part of West Virginia's cultural heritage and a powerful account of one of the worst industrial catastrophes in American history. The poems collected here investigate the roots of a tragedy that killed hundreds of workers, most of them African American. They are a rare engagement with the overlap between race and environment in Appalachia. Published for the first time alongside photographs by Nancy Naumburg, who accompanied Rukeyser to Gauley Bridge in 1936, this edition of The Book of the Dead includes an introduction by Catherine Venable Moore, whose writing on the topic has been anthologized in Best American Essays. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: The Kind Worth Killing Peter Swanson, 2015-02-03 A devious tale of psychological suspense perfect for fans of Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train—and is soon to be a major movie directed by Agnieszka Holland. In a tantalizing set-up reminiscent of Patricia Highsmith’s classic Strangers on a Train… On a night flight from London to Boston, Ted Severson meets the stunning and mysterious Lily Kintner. Sharing one too many martinis, the strangers begin to play a game of truth, revealing very intimate details about themselves. Ted talks about his marriage that’s going stale and his wife Miranda, who he’s sure is cheating on him. Ted and his wife were a mismatch from the start—he the rich businessman, she the artistic free spirit—a contrast that once inflamed their passion, but has now become a cliché. But their game turns a little darker when Ted jokes that he could kill Miranda for what she’s done. Lily, without missing a beat, says calmly, “I’d like to help.” After all, some people are the kind worth killing, like a lying, stinking, cheating spouse. . . . Back in Boston, Ted and Lily’s twisted bond grows stronger as they begin to plot Miranda's demise. But there are a few things about Lily’s past that she hasn’t shared with Ted, namely her experience in the art and craft of murder, a journey that began in her very precocious youth. Suddenly these co-conspirators are embroiled in a chilling game of cat-and-mouse, one they both cannot survive . . . with a shrewd and very determined detective on their tail. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Congressional Record United States. Congress, 1968 |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: The Wall Street Journal , 1987 |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: The Cabinet of Curiosities Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, 2002-07-01 In one of NPR's 100 Best Thrillers Ever, FBI agent Pendergast discovers thirty-six murdered bodies in a New York City charnel house . . . and now, more than a century later, a killer strikes again. In an ancient tunnel underneath New York City a charnel house is discovered. Inside are thirty-six bodies--all murdered and mutilated more than a century ago. While FBI agent Pendergast investigates the old crimes, identical killings start to terrorize the city. The nightmare has begun. Again. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: The Killer Across the Table John E. Douglas, Mark Olshaker, 2019-05-07 The legendary FBI criminal profiler, number-one New York Times bestselling author, and inspiration for the hit Netflix show Mindhunter delves deep into the lives and crimes of four of the most disturbing and complex predatory killers, offering never-before-revealed details about his profiling process, and divulging the strategies used to crack some of America’s most challenging cases. The FBI’s pioneer of criminal profiling, former special agent John Douglas, has studied and interviewed many of America’s most notorious killers—including Charles Manson, ”Son of Sam Killer” David Berkowitz and ”BTK Strangler” Dennis Rader—trained FBI agents and investigators around and the world, and helped educate the country about these deadly predators and how they operate, and has become a legend in popular culture, fictionalized in The Silence of the Lambs and the hit television shows Criminal Minds and Mindhunter. Twenty years after his famous memoir, the man who literally wrote the book on FBI criminal profiling opens his case files once again. In this riveting work of true crime, he spotlights four of the most diabolical criminals he’s confronted, interviewed and learned from. Going deep into each man’s life and crimes, he outlines the factors that led them to murder and how he used his interrogation skills to expose their means, motives, and true evil. Like the hit Netflix show, The Killer Across the Table is centered around Douglas’ unique interrogation and profiling process. With his longtime collaborator Mark Olshaker, Douglas recounts the chilling encounters with these four killers as he experienced them—revealing for the first time his profile methods in detail. Going step by step through his interviews, Douglas explains how he connects each killer’s crimes to the specific conversation, and contrasts these encounters with those of other deadly criminals to show what he learns from each one. In the process, he returns to other famous cases, killers and interviews that have shaped his career, describing how the knowledge he gained from those exchanges helped prepare him for these. A glimpse into the mind of a man who has pierced the heart of human darkness, The Killer Across the Table unlocks the ultimate mystery of depravity and the techniques and approaches that have countered evil in the name of justice. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: The Man Who Smiled Henning Mankell, 2012-11-27 The #1 international-bestselling tale of greed, violence, and corporate power from the master of Scandinavian noir: “One of his best” (The Times, London). After killing a man in the line of duty, Inspector Kurt Wallander finds himself deep in a personal and professional crisis; during more than a year of sick leave, he turns to drink and vice to quiet his lingering demons. Once he pulls himself together, he vows to quit the Ystad police force for good—just before a friend who had asked Wallander to look into the death of his father winds up dead himself, shot three times. Far from leaving police work behind, Wallander instead must investigate a formidable suspect: a powerful business tycoon at the helm of a multinational company engaged in extralegal activities. Ann-Britt Höglund, the department’s first female detective, proves to be Wallander’s best ally as he tries to pierce the smiling façade of the suspicious mogul. But just as he comes close to uncovering the truth, Wallander finds his own life being threatened. In this “exquisitely plotted” thriller, Henning Mankell’s mastery of the modern police procedural—which has earned him legions of fans worldwide and inspired the BBC show Wallander starring Kenneth Branagh—is on vivid display (Publishers Weekly). “This is crime fiction of the highest order.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review “Compelling . . . Skillfully plotted and suspenseful. . . . A thriller for the thinking reader.” —The Dallas Morning News “Mankell’s novels are a joy.” —USA Today “Absorbing. . . . In the masterly manner of P.D. James, Mankell projects his hero’s brooding thoughts onto nature itself.” —The New York Times “Wallander is a loveable gumshoe. . . . He is one of the most credible creations in contemporary crime fiction.” —The Guardian |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Working Mother , 2000-10 The magazine that helps career moms balance their personal and professional lives. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Successful Construction Project Management Paul Netscher, 2014 This book bridges the gap between the theoretical and practical and includes chapters on planning the project, starting it, scheduling, running the projects, completing it, people, materials, equipment, quality, safety, subcontractors, contractual and financial. These chapters are broken into multiple sections providing a step-by-step guide to successfully managing a construction project, and, including what-not-to-do to avoid costly mistakes.--COVER. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Unsheltered Barbara Kingsolver, 2018-10-16 **NOW INCLUDING THE FIRST CHAPTER OF DEMON COPPERHEAD** WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION TWICE WINNER OF THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 'Magnificent.' The Times, 'Books of the Year' 'Gripping.' Grazia 'Peerless.' Daily Mail 'Wise.' Sunday Times Meet Willa Knox, a woman who stands braced against a world which seems to hold little mercy for her and her family - or their old, crumbling house, falling down around them. Willa's two grown-up children, a new-born grandchild, and her ailing father-in-law have all moved in at a time when life seems at its most precarious. But when Willa discovers that a pioneering female scientist lived on the same street in the 1800s, could this historical connection be enough to save their home from ruin? And can Willa, despite the odds, keep her family together? |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Sign Here Claudia Lux, 2023-09-19 A darkly humorous, surprisingly poignant, and utterly gripping debut novel about a guy who works in Hell (literally) and is on the cusp of a big promotion if only he can get one more member of the wealthy Harrison family to sell their soul. Peyote Trip has a pretty good gig in the deals department on the fifth floor of Hell. Sure, none of the pens work, the coffee machine has been out of order for a century, and the only drink on offer is Jägermeister, but Pey has a plan—and all he needs is one last member of the Harrison family to sell their soul. When the Harrisons retreat to the family lake house for the summer, with their daughter Mickey’s precocious new friend, Ruth, in tow, the opportunity Pey has waited a millennium for might finally be in his grasp. And with the help of his charismatic coworker Calamity, he sets a plan in motion. But things aren’t always as they seem, on Earth or in Hell. And as old secrets and new dangers scrape away at the Harrisons’ shiny surface, revealing the darkness beneath, everyone must face the consequences of their choices. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: The Other End of the Leash Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., 2009-02-19 Learn to communicate with your dog—using their language “Good reading for dog lovers and an immensely useful manual for dog owners.”—The Washington Post An Applied Animal Behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years’ experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell reveals a revolutionary new perspective on our relationship with dogs—sharing insights on how “man’s best friend” might interpret our behavior, as well as essential advice on how to interact with our four-legged friends in ways that bring out the best in them. After all, humans and dogs are two entirely different species, each shaped by its individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (as are wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation. This marvelous guide demonstrates how even the slightest changes in our voices and in the ways we stand can help dogs understand what we want. Inside you will discover: • How you can get your dog to come when called by acting less like a primate and more like a dog • Why the advice to “get dominance” over your dog can cause problems • Why “rough and tumble primate play” can lead to trouble—and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of mischief • How dogs and humans share personality types—and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than “alpha wanna-bes!” Fascinating, insightful, and compelling, The Other End of the Leash is a book that strives to help you connect with your dog in a completely new way—so as to enrich that most rewarding of relationships. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: American Magazine , 1938 |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Survived by One Robert E. Hanlon, Thomas V Odle, 2013-08-06 On November 8, 1985, 18-year-old Tom Odle brutally murdered his parents and three siblings in the small southern Illinois town of Mount Vernon, sending shockwaves throughout the nation. The murder of the Odle family remains one of the most horrific family mass murders in U.S. history. Odle was sentenced to death and, after seventeen years on death row, expected a lethal injection to end his life. However, Illinois governor George Ryan’s moratorium on the death penalty in 2000, and later commutation of all death sentences in 2003, changed Odle’s sentence to natural life. The commutation of his death sentence was an epiphany for Odle. Prior to the commutation of his death sentence, Odle lived in denial, repressing any feelings about his family and his horrible crime. Following the commutation and the removal of the weight of eventual execution associated with his death sentence, he was confronted with an unfamiliar reality. A future. As a result, he realized that he needed to understand why he murdered his family. He reached out to Dr. Robert Hanlon, a neuropsychologist who had examined him in the past. Dr. Hanlon engaged Odle in a therapeutic process of introspection and self-reflection, which became the basis of their collaboration on this book. Hanlon tells a gripping story of Odle’s life as an abused child, the life experiences that formed his personality, and his tragic homicidal escalation to mass murder, seamlessly weaving into the narrative Odle’s unadorned reflections of his childhood, finding a new family on death row, and his belief in the powers of redemption. As our nation attempts to understand the continual mass murders occurring in the U.S., Survived by One sheds some light on the psychological aspects of why and how such acts of extreme carnage may occur. However, Survived by One offers a never-been-told perspective from the mass murderer himself, as he searches for the answers concurrently being asked by the nation and the world. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: New York Magazine , 1996-08-12 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: Los Angeles Times , 1972 |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Robert Tressell, 1962 The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists is a classic representation of the impoverished and politically powerless underclass of British society in Edwardian England, ruthlessly exploited by the institutionalized corruption of their employers and the civic and religious authorities. Epic in scale, the novel charts the ruinous effects of the laissez-faire mercantilist ethics on the men, women, and children of the working classes, and through its emblematic characters, argues for a socialist politics as the only hope for a civilized and humane life for all. It is a timeless work whose political message is as relevant today as it was in Tressell's time. For this it has long been honoured by the Trade Union movement and thinkers across the political spectrum. |
| 14 killer questions to ask your contractor: American Illustrated Magazine , 1938 |
Checklist to Ask Your General Contractor - FEMA.gov
This document gives homeowners and occupants basic knowledge, consumer protection, and questions to ask when hiring a general contractor to perform new construction, remodeling, …
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor (PDF) - x-plane.com
This article provides you with 14 killer questions to ask your contractor, enabling you to make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes. Mastering these 14 killer questions to ask your …
Questions to ask a contractor - disasterlegalservicesca.org
Questions to ask a repair/rebuilding contractor ¨ Will I get a detailed, line-item estimate and schedule? ¨ Will I get full-time supervision? Who? ¨ Who handles permits? ¨ Who helps me …
Questions to ask a Contractor or Professional Installer
When meeting with a contractor or professional installer, there are certain questions that you should consider asking. To help guide you, we’ve compiled a list below.
Questions to Ask a Contractor - wcowma.com
Below is a list of questions you might ask in the interview process. Please note: some of these questions may or may not apply to your scope of work. For all disciplines the following …
Finn 25 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor
Are you a licensed general contractor for residential construction? Will you provide your license number? Do you maintain liability & workers’ compensation insurance? Will you send proof of …
QUESTIONS TO ASK ANY ROOFING CONTRACTOR
look at some of the essential questions a homeowner should ask a roofing contractor in order to get a great roof built to last.
FEMA: Checklist of Questions to Ask Your General Contractor
Purpose: This document equips property owners with basic knowledge, consumer protection, and questions to ask when hiring a professional general contractor to perform new construction, …
Questions for Contractors
Who do I call if I have questions or concerns post installation? Questions for Contractors. While Edmond Electric does not partner with or recommend any. solar installation contractor, we …
Important Questions To Ask Your Concrete Contractor
Important Questions To Ask Your Concrete Contractor 1. How long have you been in business, and are you a full time or part time concrete contractor? 2. Are you a Better Business Bureau …
QUESTIONS TO ASK A SOLAR CONTRACTOR - eiec
Ask these questions to find specific details on what the contractor is proposing and why, as well as general information on what you can expect during and after installation. 1. What size and …
CHECKLIST OF QUESTIONS TO ASK ROOFING CONTRACTORS …
When you have roof work done, it’s crucial to know what steps a contractor takes to protect your home and lawn. Ask them to walk you through the process they take to protect your property …
Checklist of Questions to Ask Your General Contractor
This document equips property owners with basic knowledge, consumer protection, and questions to ask when hiring a professional general contractor to perform new construction, remodeling, …
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor - x-plane.com
Within the pages of "14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor," an enthralling opus penned by a highly acclaimed wordsmith, readers set about an immersive expedition to unravel the …
44-Questions-For-Your-Roofing-Contractor-ATM - Ask Todd …
obtain answers to your questions. Here are 13 general questions that need to be asked of a roofing contractor: 1. How long have you been in business? 2. How local is your business? 3. …
Questions to Ask your Contractor - AOWMA
Take the time to formulate the questions important to you and to interview your prospective contractors. The interview process is extremely important to ensure you can make an informed …
Questions to Ask a Potential Designer or Contractor
people you choose to work with understand your goals and desires for your project. Here are some questions you will want to get answers to from a prospective designer or contractor …
7 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE HIRING A CONTRACTOR
When you’re looking for a contractor, be prepared to ask a few questions to make sure they are up to the job. The following are the questions we suggest you ask. ARE THEY LICENSED …
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor(1) - app.ajw.com
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor(1) The Advocate ,2001-08-14 The Advocate is a lesbian gay bisexual transgender LGBT monthly newsmagazine Established in 1967 it is the …
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor(2) Copy
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor(2) The Advocate ,2001-08-14 The Advocate is a lesbian gay bisexual transgender LGBT monthly newsmagazine Established in 1967 it is the …
Checklist to Ask Your General Contractor - FEMA.gov
This document gives homeowners and occupants basic knowledge, consumer protection, and questions to ask when hiring a general contractor to perform new construction, remodeling, …
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor (PDF) - x …
This article provides you with 14 killer questions to ask your contractor, enabling you to make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes. Mastering these 14 killer questions to ask your …
Questions to ask a contractor - disasterlegalservicesca.org
Questions to ask a repair/rebuilding contractor ¨ Will I get a detailed, line-item estimate and schedule? ¨ Will I get full-time supervision? Who? ¨ Who handles permits? ¨ Who helps me …
Questions to ask a Contractor or Professional Installer
When meeting with a contractor or professional installer, there are certain questions that you should consider asking. To help guide you, we’ve compiled a list below.
Questions to Ask a Contractor - wcowma.com
Below is a list of questions you might ask in the interview process. Please note: some of these questions may or may not apply to your scope of work. For all disciplines the following …
Finn 25 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a General Contractor
Are you a licensed general contractor for residential construction? Will you provide your license number? Do you maintain liability & workers’ compensation insurance? Will you send proof of …
QUESTIONS TO ASK ANY ROOFING CONTRACTOR
look at some of the essential questions a homeowner should ask a roofing contractor in order to get a great roof built to last.
FEMA: Checklist of Questions to Ask Your General Contractor
Purpose: This document equips property owners with basic knowledge, consumer protection, and questions to ask when hiring a professional general contractor to perform new construction, …
Questions for Contractors
Who do I call if I have questions or concerns post installation? Questions for Contractors. While Edmond Electric does not partner with or recommend any. solar installation contractor, we …
Important Questions To Ask Your Concrete Contractor
Important Questions To Ask Your Concrete Contractor 1. How long have you been in business, and are you a full time or part time concrete contractor? 2. Are you a Better Business Bureau …
QUESTIONS TO ASK A SOLAR CONTRACTOR - eiec
Ask these questions to find specific details on what the contractor is proposing and why, as well as general information on what you can expect during and after installation. 1. What size and …
CHECKLIST OF QUESTIONS TO ASK ROOFING …
When you have roof work done, it’s crucial to know what steps a contractor takes to protect your home and lawn. Ask them to walk you through the process they take to protect your property …
Checklist of Questions to Ask Your General Contractor
This document equips property owners with basic knowledge, consumer protection, and questions to ask when hiring a professional general contractor to perform new construction, remodeling, …
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor - x-plane.com
Within the pages of "14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor," an enthralling opus penned by a highly acclaimed wordsmith, readers set about an immersive expedition to unravel the …
44-Questions-For-Your-Roofing-Contractor-ATM - Ask …
obtain answers to your questions. Here are 13 general questions that need to be asked of a roofing contractor: 1. How long have you been in business? 2. How local is your business? 3. …
Questions to Ask your Contractor - AOWMA
Take the time to formulate the questions important to you and to interview your prospective contractors. The interview process is extremely important to ensure you can make an informed …
Questions to Ask a Potential Designer or Contractor
people you choose to work with understand your goals and desires for your project. Here are some questions you will want to get answers to from a prospective designer or contractor …
7 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE HIRING A CONTRACTOR
When you’re looking for a contractor, be prepared to ask a few questions to make sure they are up to the job. The following are the questions we suggest you ask. ARE THEY LICENSED …
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor(1) - app.ajw.com
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor(1) The Advocate ,2001-08-14 The Advocate is a lesbian gay bisexual transgender LGBT monthly newsmagazine Established in 1967 it is the …
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor(2) Copy
14 Killer Questions To Ask Your Contractor(2) The Advocate ,2001-08-14 The Advocate is a lesbian gay bisexual transgender LGBT monthly newsmagazine Established in 1967 it is the …
