How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor for Your Next Project
If you are ready to begin a home remodeling project, it is important not to make that journey alone. A trusted ct contractor can act as your guide throughout the entire process, making sure you stay on budget, everything is installed correctly and taking care of any government licenses. You can, of course, do these things by your own but a professional makes the processes much easier. However, there are some contractors that will take advantage of a homeowner’s lack of expertise in home remodeling. Therefore, it is important to research several companies and feel confident in your chosen remodeling contractor.
1. Know what you want. Having a sense or plan of how you want your remodeling project to turn out is a great way to get started on your remodeling adventure. So, before you even begin embarking on your home remodeling project, or talking with any contractors, search the Internet for designs, materials, and ideas that you would like to see incorporated into your project. This will give your contractor a better sense of your expectations moving forward.
2. Do your research. Doing your research on a contractor, and asking for referrals is always a great idea. Ask your friends and family for recommendations on any local contractors, or if you are the first on your block to start a remodeling project, check Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor, making sure that your home state certifies any business you find on these sites. Similarly, when you call a contractor you are interested in working with, feel free to ask them for previous customers who they did similar projects with and reach out to them.
3. Get estimates from more than one contractor. Just because you talk to a single contractor, or sit down for a consultation, doesn’t mean that you necessarily are stuck working with that particular company. Find two or three reputable companies that you are interested in working with and go over estimates with all of them. Each company may offer different materials, products, or warranties, so choose an offer you feel best suits your project and budget.
4. Make a budget. Not every project needs to be expensive, and not every home owner can afford an all-inclusive, top of the line, remodel. That’s why finding a contractor that can work with you and your budget is so important.
5. Check licenses. Don’t feel ashamed to ask your contractor to see a specialized license from your home state. Most contractors will have that information at the ready, and if they don’t it may be a sign that this particular contractor is not the ideal candidate for your home remodeling project. Making sure your contractor has the proper licenses will tell you that your contractor has insurance that protects you and their employee should any incidents happen while on your property.
6. Get a contract. Not only should you ask to see a draft of the contract, but you also want to make sure that it is made as detailed as possible to avoid the possibility of loop holes. A good contract will make sure to include the base price, payment schedule, project details, completion dates, warranties, and more. You don’t want your contractor to be able to back out of anything he promises you that he will be able to accomplish for you and your home.