What to Look For When Choosing a Home Remodeling Contractor
90% of homeowners in America plan to remodel or renovate their house at some point, whether to live in it themselves or to raise the market value. With 40% of those home remodeling projects in planning stages for completion within the next two years, home improvement jobs are on the rise.
It’s every homeowner’s dream to have their house look like their dream home. You might watch every episode of your favorite fixer-upper show, or pour over paint sample magazines from your local hardware store as you plan and save for your remodel.
The part you may not plan for, however, is working with a home remodeling company.
When it comes time to choose a Bucks County home remodeling company (or wherever it is you are based), you want to make sure you are working with someone who will give you what you desire, at a quality that will last. Continue reading for some suggestions to follow when hiring your home remodeling contractor.
Make a List of Potential Contractors
Because of the importance of this job, you will want options to choose from. Creating a list of potential contractors will allow you to vet your candidates.
Start by asking for recommendations from your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Reach out to local social media groups for more recommendations. You may not only receive positive suggestions but also companies to stay away from and the reasons why.
Stick to your remodeling checklist while searching for a contractor. The more they specialize in certain areas, such as a bathroom remodel, the better your renovations will be.
Narrow Down Your List
Once you have a list of 5-10 potential contractors, start narrowing it down to your top three.
Begin by checking with the Better Business Bureau to see how each company is rated. Any companies that have lower than an A rating should be crossed off your list.
Search review sites, their website, and any social media platforms for reviews and portfolio photos. Be wary of companies that have few or low-quality photos and little to no reviews.
Choose Your Company
Once you have your top three companies, make time to call each one.
First, ask if they have a license. Each state has different requirements, but if a company is licensed, chances are their work is top-notch.
Ask what insurance and workers’ compensation they carry. You don’t want to risk taking on the liability of worksite accidents. Also, inquire about different warranties on the job.
Talk over your plans with them. Find out when they would be able to begin and finish the work.
Finally, ask for a written quote. You want to see what labor costs and supplies run. Not only will you want to make sure they aren’t cutting corners, but if one company is overcharging, it should be easy to tell when compared with the others.
Treat your communications like an audition. How did they communicate? Did you enjoy talking to them, or did they make the process difficult?
Finally, sign your contract with your chosen home remodeling service and look forward to the start of your project.
Home Remodeling You Will Love for Years
Your home remodeling project might seem like it will take a lot of time and effort. Yet, when you finally stand in your newly renovated kitchen or bathroom, all that work will be worth it.
If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to check out other features in our Life and Household section.