Tips for Choosing the Right Contractor for a Home Renovation

While it’s normal to get excited about a home remodeling project, you shouldn’t dive into the pool headfirst. Taking your time to plan out the scope of the project, your budget and your goals can help you turn a rough idea into amazing results.

One of the most important factors that affect the success of a home renovation is the contractor you choose. How can you find the best contractor for your project?

Meet in Person

Don’t hire a contractor based on what you discuss over the phone only. A successful project is much more than numbers on a sheet. Never base your decision on the quoted work cost only (though that can be an important factor). Before you make your decision, set up a meeting in person.

One benefit of this is the opportunity to see the contractor’s personality and qualities. A friendly contractor is overall a better fit than one that gets upset when you ask for details. After all, home remodeling isn’t an exact science. You may need to change plans halfway through, and it’s easier to work with a contractor who is adaptable and respectful.

Check Out the Contractor’s Website

Perform due diligence for all potential contractors you’re interested in working with. This means checking out their websites and other online content, including email marketing and social media posts. If you see lots of helpful, easy-to-understand blog posts, it’s a good sign that the business is professional and experienced.

Websites usually also give you a fair idea of the type of work contractors have performed in the past and how long their company has been around. You can look for details about their services and the way they go about things. Five-star ratings from past (and recent) customers are a good sign, too.

Look at the tone the business uses when speaking about and to clients. For example, on their social media page, how do they respond to customer complaints? It’s fairly easy to spot an aggressive contractor versus one who is helpful and positive this way.

Ask Questions

When you meet up with the remodeler, use the opportunity to ask questions and see how the owner responds to your requests. The more knowledgeable the answers you receive, the more sure you can be that the remodeler has extensive experience and know-how for your project.

This step is important for another reason: it helps you see how well you and the contractor work together. Sometimes, even experienced contractors just don’t seem to be on the same wavelength with the style or ideas you have in mind. When you’re investing in home remodeling, you need a construction business that “gets” what you’re looking for, including the overall style and practical considerations.

Look at the Details

Last but not least, carefully check the working of any agreements. Ask pointed questions if there’s something that isn’t clear. Make sure the contractor has full liability insurance and home remodeling insurance and appropriate licensing for your state. Check the business phone number and mailing address to ensure they’re legitimate.

Take your time checking details such as clauses for changing details and how much it costs. Look at warranty details, a firm delivery date, the bid, site plan and your payment schedule.

Keep Your Options Open

Even if you feel like the first construction company you contact is a great choice, don’t feel pressured to sign a work agreement on the spot. Thank the contractor and tell them you’ll be in touch soon. Speak with at least a few more businesses before you make your final decision. That way, you have a better idea of the strengths of each option and what the average going price is for certain services.

While it’s normal to get excited about a home remodeling project, you shouldn’t dive into the pool headfirst. Taking your time to plan out the scope of the project, your budget and your goals can help you turn a rough idea into amazing results.

One of the most important factors that affect the success of a home renovation is the contractor you choose. How can you find the best contractor for your project?

Meet in Person

Don’t hire a contractor based on what you discuss over the phone only. A successful project is much more than numbers on a sheet. Never base your decision on the quoted work cost only (though that can be an important factor). Before you make your decision, set up a meeting in person.

One benefit of this is the opportunity to see the contractor’s personality and qualities. A friendly contractor is overall a better fit than one that gets upset when you ask for details. After all, home remodeling isn’t an exact science. You may need to change plans halfway through, and it’s easier to work with a contractor who is adaptable and respectful.

Check Out the Contractor’s Website

Perform due diligence for all potential contractors you’re interested in working with. This means checking out their websites and other online content, including email marketing and social media posts. If you see lots of helpful, easy-to-understand blog posts, it’s a good sign that the business is professional and experienced.

Websites usually also give you a fair idea of the type of work contractors have performed in the past and how long their company has been around. You can look for details about their services and the way they go about things. Five-star ratings from past (and recent) customers are a good sign, too.

Look at the tone the business uses when speaking about and to clients. For example, on their social media page, how do they respond to customer complaints? It’s fairly easy to spot an aggressive contractor versus one who is helpful and positive this way.

Ask Questions

When you meet up with the remodeler, use the opportunity to ask questions and see how the owner responds to your requests. The more knowledgeable the answers you receive, the more sure you can be that the remodeler has extensive experience and know-how for your project.

This step is important for another reason: it helps you see how well you and the contractor work together. Sometimes, even experienced contractors just don’t seem to be on the same wavelength with the style or ideas you have in mind. When you’re investing in home remodeling, you need a construction business that “gets” what you’re looking for, including the overall style and practical considerations.

Look at the Details

Last but not least, carefully check the working of any agreements. Ask pointed questions if there’s something that isn’t clear. Make sure the contractor has full liability insurance and home remodeling insurance and appropriate licensing for your state. Check the business phone number and mailing address to ensure they’re legitimate.

Take your time checking details such as clauses for changing details and how much it costs. Look at warranty details, a firm delivery date, the bid, site plan and your payment schedule.

Keep Your Options Open

Even if you feel like the first construction company you contact is a great choice, don’t feel pressured to sign a work agreement on the spot. Thank the contractor and tell them you’ll be in touch soon. Speak with at least a few more businesses before you make your final decision. That way, you have a better idea of the strengths of each option and what the average going price is for certain services.