Someone I trust told me that I should ask how many other jobs a contractor is working on before I hire them. That makes sense to me, but I am wondering if there is any way for me to independently verify their answer? Thank you!
That is a wonderful method if the company or contractor tells the truth. One way to guarantee that your job won’t stretch to Wagnerian lengths, is to hire a contractor with a lead person or project manager, “a working supervisor who is on the job from beginning to end.” If the job drags, the contractor still has to pay that person, so it “becomes in the contractor’s interest to finish the job,”
You have all rights to ask, all professional contractors will give you a responsible answer. No way to confirm the contractor answer short on following them all over the state. Your contract should indicate a completion date, any delays beyond that date should have a $$$$ per day, deducted from the contract amount. Contractor best of interest to finish fast.
Depending on your location you should be able to verify by checking with your local courthouse/city hall for their job permits. However 2 things to consider is that not every job requires one and are they working in the same jurisdiction that you live in. Ask them if they have jobs going in your area and then follow up with your local building authority as mentioned above.