How to choose the right remodeling contractor

the right remodeling contractor

Sometimes the season comes and its suddenly time to remodel your home but how do you go about it the best way? Choosing the best contractor for your needs can be difficult if you’re not sure what you should be looking for. One thing is for sure, when it comes to large remodeling projects like kitchen sinks, floors, installing islands, fixing up plumbing for toilets and new showers, DIY kits are not the way to go. So, how should you go about choosing the best contractor? You need to remember, you are hiring an employee to start and finish a job, so make a list of what details you want for your new remodeling project and then go about these steps to be sure you’re picking the best contractor.

Getting referrals can be a great way to learn of a contractor who may not have a lot of projects to her/his name but has the projects to back it up! If someone you know has had work done on their house, don’t be embarrassed to ask around. It is important to ask for specific details, like what made their experience so positive and how did they hear about this contractor. Be specific when speaking to friends or relatives and be sure that your wants and needs can be met by the contractor you’re inferring about.

A successful contractor, someone who has positive feedback and a good track record, will always make it easy for you to look at their work and to contact them.

It can be beneficial to have two contractors that you’re deciding between because it gives you a margin of error. Be very detailed about what you’re looking for because contractors have different gifts for installation. If you’re looking for rare or specials designs or installations, be sure to express those details with both contractors and compare their work to what you would like to finish in your home. You do not have to have two contractors to compare but in some cases, it could be beneficial to ensure you end up with the best contractor possible. In the end, if you cannot decide, you can interview both contractors to find your final one!

Be sure that the portfolio you’re looking through for each contractor is thorough, clear, and easily identifiable.

It is not just a good handshake you’re looking for out of your contractor, be sure to look for their credentials before you let them start working in your home. Accomplished and certified contractors will have licensure, certificates, and paperwork that proves they are capable of working and finishing a project in your home. If you’re unsure about what you should be looking for, call the licensing department in your county to ensure your contractor is legally certified to work on your home. These pieces of paper go far beyond a formality, this ensures that you, your family, and your home are safe before, during, and after the contractor has finished your home project. Be sure to always make the final check of liability insurance.

Always ask to see any past projects that the contractor has finished. It is also okay to ask for past customers who would not be angered if you contacted them to know about their experience with the contractor you’re looking to hire. Ask about their budget? Did the contractor work with them? Was there a timeline and did they meet their timeline with this contractor? It is okay to be picky about who you are hiring. Here are some more basic questions to include when you speak with a contractor’s past clients:

Once you have finalized your pickings and have everything you were asking for, it is time to get it all in writing. A nod or going off of someone’s word doesn’t guarantee that your final project will meet your expectations. Be sure that everything you want, everything your new contractor agrees upon, and everything that is expected is gotten in writing. Things to be sure are in a signed contract include but are not limited to: