Tips For Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
Hiring a remodeling contractor is an important step in any home renovation project. The right contractor can make or break your remodel and lead it to a successful completion.
Before you start searching for a remodeling contractor, it’s essential to do some research and take a hard look at your budget. Getting bids from several contractors can help you decide which ones are most suitable for your project.
One way to do this is to solicit referrals from friends, family and co-workers who have had experiences with remodeling contractors. You can also look for reviews on sites like Houzz and in local real estate discussion forums.
It’s important to choose a contractor who has done similar projects before. This means they should have the skills, expertise and permits needed to complete your project efficiently and successfully.
You should ask the prospective contractor how long they’ve been in business, whether they have the necessary licenses and insurance to do the job, and if they have any previous complaints against them with your state’s consumer protection agency. You should also inquire about their experience with your type of project and the timeline for completing it.
Once you’ve narrowed your list to two or three qualified candidates, it’s time to start interviewing them. You should listen to how they answer your questions for assuredness and professionalism.
After the initial interviews, it’s always a good idea to get written bids from each candidate. These bids should include an itemized breakdown of all aspects of the project, including materials, labor hours and overhead.
Many contractors bid for a project without discussing their budget, which can be misleading and cause homeowners to pay for things they didn’t plan for. That’s why it’s best to give your budget a thorough review and eliminate any contractor who has a bid that’s more than 10 percent lower than other options, according to Nolo.
It’s also a good idea to get a quote for an allowance, which is a line item in the contractor’s bid that will be used to cover expenses as they arise. This will give you a better idea of how much money you need to set aside for your project and what you can do to trim your budget.
Another key to a successful renovation is effective communication throughout the process, says King. Strong communication will allow you to stay on top of the project and keep your contractor informed of any changes that need to be made, which can prevent delays or extra costs.
If you have a big renovation, it’s a good idea to hire a general contractor who has experience with large-scale projects and has a team of trusted subcontractors that he knows and can trust. This is an important way to ensure the quality of the work is high and that there are no surprises in the final product.
A good general contractor will have an organized project management process and should be able to handle any conflicts that may arise with subcontractors or tradespeople. A general contractor should also be able to provide you with a contract that details the roles of everyone involved in your remodel, and what each person will do when issues arise.
