Hiring a home remodeling contractor means you are embarking upon a large project. One that will make a big difference in the way your house functions now but also one that will imply an important cost to you. That is why it becomes so important to make sure you hire the right professional to oversee the work and make sure there are no unpleasant surprises at the end. Are there any special characteristics that you should look for in a home remodeling contractor that will reassure you that you will be working with someone that will transform your home in the way you envision? Let’s find out.
What is a home remodeling contractor responsible for?
A home remodeling contractor is responsible for coordinating and supervising every facet of the project. Starting with obtaining the required permits, the remodeling contractor will hire the needed workers, schedule all tasks that need to be carried out and oversee what the subcontractors are doing. These can be plumbers, electricians, carpenters, tile installers, and others. Additionally, they are licensed and carry liability and worker’s compensation insurance, making them financially responsible when a worker gets injured on the job.
What should you look for in a home remodeling contractor?
To hire the right professional, answer these questions:
Do you know exactly what you want?
When you interview a potential contractor, you must know what you are expecting them to do. You want a new bathroom. Think about the space you have, what it needs to include. Knowing what you want will make it easier for the contractor to tell you how much the job will cost and how much time it will take.
Have you asked family, friends, or neighbors for a recommendation?
You have probably seen some nice remodeling projects in other homes. Get information on who performed the job and how satisfied the homeowners are with the contractor they worked with. You may be surprised to find a great recommendation.
Have you taken the time to read online reviews?
Look for reputable places that have reviews and check out social media sites as well. Former clients will post reviews describing their experiences with their remodeling contractor. You may find reviews that talk about a complaint but also about how that complaint was resolved, or maybe what jobs got done and what the results look like.
Have you checked their references and looked at their BBB ratings?
If you are considering several possible remodeling contractors, a good way to decide which one to hire is by finding out the official name of their business and looking up their BBB ratings. Look for any complaints or problems they may have experienced and how those were resolved.
As far as references, ask all potential remodeling contractors to give you names of people they have done work for. If possible, ask to see how the remodeling project turned out.
The Selection Process
Once all of the above has been accomplished, it’s time to set up individual interviews with the remodeling contractors you are considering. Talk to them about your project, listen to their comments and ideas, and let them talk about other jobs they have done, what size projects they have been, and how long it has taken them to complete them from beginning to end. Find out if they have the required licenses and insurance.
Discuss your project with them and give them as much and as detailed information as possible. They will need to know everything about what you want in order to prepare an accurate bid.
Receive the Bids and Make a Decision
Look at the bids, review the plans, look at the different line items. How much is going for materials? How much for labor? You should expect about the same amount to go for materials as for labor.
HHC recommends that, before accepting a bid, you should negotiate. Don’t feel pressured to accept a bid that is too high because the contractor has other jobs and will only work with you if you accept on the spot. After all, you want to have good communication and, most importantly a peaceful and successful home remodel.
