AI Summary
During site visits, ask about sizing methodology, equipment recommendations with specific reasons, what's included in installation scope, warranty coverage details, timeline expectations, licensing and insurance, and what could cause additional costs. Observe how contractors evaluate your home, answer questions, and communicate. Site visits reveal contractor expertise and thoroughness beyond written quotes.
What Questions Should I Ask During the Site Visit?
Site visits are your opportunity to evaluate contractors and gather information. This guide provides essential questions organized by topic.
Questions About Sizing
1. How will you determine the right system size for my home?
Why ask: Reveals whether contractor uses proper load calculations or rules of thumb.
Good answer: Mentions Manual J, home measurements, insulation assessment, window evaluation.
Concerning answer: "Based on square footage" or "Same size as your current system" without further explanation.
2. Will you perform a load calculation?
Why ask: Confirms proper sizing methodology.
Good answer: Yes, with explanation of what's included.
Concerning answer: No, or vague response about not needing one.
3. What factors are you considering for sizing?
Why ask: Shows contractor's thoroughness.
Good answer: Lists insulation, windows, orientation, climate, occupancy.
Concerning answer: Only mentions square footage.
Questions About Equipment
4. What equipment do you recommend and why?
Why ask: Reveals whether recommendation is based on your needs or contractor preference.
Good answer: Specific model with reasons related to your home and climate.
Concerning answer: Generic brand mention without specific reasoning.
5. What alternatives are available?
Why ask: Shows contractor's willingness to discuss options.
Good answer: Explains 2-3 options with pros/cons of each.
Concerning answer: "This is what you need" without alternatives.
6. Is this single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed?
Why ask: Clarifies equipment technology.
Good answer: Clear answer with explanation of how it affects performance.
Concerning answer: Uncertainty or inability to explain difference.
Observe During Site Visit
Watch what contractor examines:
- Measures rooms or just estimates
- Checks attic insulation
- Examines ductwork
- Inspects electrical panel
- Notes window types and orientation
- Takes photos or detailed notes
Thorough evaluation indicates quality work.
Questions About Installation Scope
7. What exactly is included in your installation?
Why ask: Clarifies scope to compare quotes accurately.
Good answer: Detailed list of what's included.
Concerning answer: Vague "standard installation" without specifics.
8. How will you evaluate whether ductwork is adequate?
Why ask: Shows contractor's approach to ductwork assessment.
Good answer: Mentions static pressure testing or airflow measurement.
Concerning answer: "It looks fine" or visual inspection only.
9. What electrical work is included?
Why ask: Electrical work significantly affects cost.
Good answer: Specific about what's included or what evaluation will determine.
Concerning answer: "We'll see what you need" without evaluation plan.
10. Will you replace or reuse the refrigerant lines?
Why ask: Line set work affects cost and performance.
Good answer: Explains decision criteria and what's included.
Concerning answer: Hasn't considered it or will decide during installation.
Questions About Costs and Timeline
11. What could cause the final cost to differ from your quote?
Why ask: Reveals potential surprise costs.
Good answer: Honest discussion of contingencies with estimated costs.
Concerning answer: "This is the final price" when quote has vague language.
12. How long will installation take?
Why ask: Sets realistic expectations.
Good answer: Specific timeline with explanation of what happens each day.
Concerning answer: Vague "couple days" without details.
13. When could you schedule this installation?
Why ask: Reveals contractor availability and demand.
Good answer: Realistic timeframe (1-4 weeks typical).
Concerning answer: Immediate availability (may indicate low demand) or months out (very busy).
Questions About Warranty and Service
14. What warranty coverage is included?
Why ask: Warranty affects long-term costs.
Good answer: Specific years for parts and labor, what's covered.
Concerning answer: Vague "manufacturer warranty" without details.
15. Who handles warranty service?
Why ask: Clarifies service availability.
Good answer: Clear explanation of service process.
Concerning answer: "Call the manufacturer" or unclear process.
16. Do you offer maintenance plans?
Why ask: Shows contractor's service commitment.
Good answer: Explains available options.
Concerning answer: No service offerings beyond warranty.
Questions About Contractor
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can you provide references?
- Who will actually do the installation?
- Do you subcontract any work?
- What happens if there's a problem after installation?
Questions About Permits and Inspections
17. Are permits required for this installation?
Why ask: Clarifies legal requirements.
Good answer: Clear yes/no with explanation of local requirements.
Concerning answer: Doesn't know or suggests skipping permits.
18. Who handles permit applications?
Why ask: Clarifies responsibilities.
Good answer: Contractor handles it, included in price.
Concerning answer: Homeowner responsibility or additional cost.
Questions About Your Specific Situation
19. Do you see any concerns with this installation?
Why ask: Reveals contractor's honesty and expertise.
Good answer: Honest assessment of challenges or confirmation everything looks good.
Concerning answer: Everything is perfect without acknowledging any complexity.
20. What would you do if this were your home?
Why ask: Gets contractor's genuine recommendation.
Good answer: Thoughtful response considering budget and priorities.
Concerning answer: Pushes most expensive option or can't answer.
What to Observe Beyond Questions
Professionalism
- Arrives on time
- Dressed appropriately
- Respectful of your home
- Takes notes or photos
Communication
- Explains things clearly
- Answers questions thoroughly
- Doesn't use excessive jargon
- Listens to your concerns
Thoroughness
- Examines multiple areas
- Takes measurements
- Checks equipment locations
- Considers access challenges
Red Flags During Site Visits
- Contractor doesn't examine home thoroughly
- Provides quote without measurements
- Pressures immediate decision
- Can't answer basic questions
- Dismisses your concerns
- Criticizes other contractors unprofessionally
- Suggests skipping permits or inspections
Prepare for Your Site Visits
Use these questions to gather information from contractors.
Decode Your Quotes →After the Site Visit
Take Notes
Write down answers while fresh. Note impressions of contractor professionalism and communication.
Compare Responses
Compare how different contractors answered the same questions. Consistency and thoroughness matter.
Follow Up
Ask additional questions via email or phone if needed. Good contractors welcome follow-up questions.
Why This Matters
Site visits reveal contractor expertise, communication style, and thoroughness beyond what written quotes show. How contractors answer questions and evaluate your home indicates how they'll handle installation and service.
Use site visits to gather information for informed decisions rather than just collecting quotes.