What Experts Are Saying About Hiring Home Remodelers
Finding a contractor to complete a home remodel can be an overwhelming task. Before you jump right in with the first contractor you find, take a look at some helpful tips on selecting the right one for the job.
Research is Key
There are many reputable sites online where you can look at ratings and reviews of your potential contractor.
Ask your friends, neighbors or co-workers who have recently had work completed by the contractor and see what their thoughts are. Also, ask to take a look at their completed work!
Inquire about how long they have been in business. An established, reputable company will have many years under their belt and a good standing reputation.
Make Sure the Contractor is Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
Make sure your contractor is currently licensed, bonded and insured. If required by law your contractor should have all necessary licenses- NO EXCEPTIONS!
Licenses, bonding and insurance are the bare minimum for a contractor to be able to conduct business. However, your remodeler will be responsible for your home’s look and feel, therefore it is perfectly reasonable to ask for additional credentials.
Have a Detailed Contract in Place Before any Work Begins
Every project should have a detailed contract in place before the start of any work, no matter the size. There can never be too much detail in a contract.
Details to look for in a contract include:
Start and finish dates
Description of work
Materials being used
Payment schedule
How issues are handled
Any verbal promises
What contractor will/will not do.
Contracts ensure that if a dispute arises, it can be dealt with in a timely manner.
Know What Your Responsibilities Are
Do you have to clear everything out of a certain room to clear the way for a remodel? Some companies will not move anything in your house due to insurance reasons. They do not want to be responsible for broken TV’s or ripped couches.
Where will the pets be during construction? Make sure your pet is away from the work being done because the workers will be in and out of the house and do not want to lose your animal.
Your contractor should be upfront and give detailed explanations of what to expect from you during construction.
Look at Work Samples
Reviewing past projects is a very important step when hiring a home remodeler. Ask for a portfolio of their work; a professional contractor will have one handy for your review.
Looking at a contractor’s work is a great way to allow you to see the quality of their projects. You will get a good idea of what to expect and maybe even some new ideas!
Think Locally
We can’t say enough about hiring local. When you go local you will be working with someone who knows the ins and outs of the area. For example: what permits need to be obtained? Is this a flood zone? Is this lot near the center of town?
A company that is local to the area, which has been around for a long time, are usually reliable, safe bets for a project. If they didn’t do good work in your community they most likely wouldn’t still be around.
If the workers are most likely local and if you have a problem in the future, the company will be on it in no time.
For any questions or to request an estimate, contact us here.
