Things to Consider when Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor
The decision to remodel a home is critical for every homeowner as it involves both financial
and emotional investment. A successful home renovation project improves functionality and
quality of life and adds to its value.
The most challenging and overwhelming thing for a homeowner after opting to remodel is to
hire the right remodeling contractor to turn his dream home into a reality and make the most
of the investment. Several contractors offer home remodeling services, but not all of them are
reliable and provide quality services. Selecting the right contractor is the key to a successful
home renovation project. Therefore, it is essential to do proper research before finalizing the
best person for the job.
To ensure that you don’t end up spending thousands of dollars for sloppy, unfinished work,
here are some crucial things to consider while hiring a home remodeling contractor:
Recommendations
Start the search for the right home contractor by asking around recommendations from
friends and family who had hired a remodeler earlier and had a positive experience working
with them. Word of mouth is one of the most authentic sources of hiring a reliable
professional. Also, search online and make a list of prospective contractors you find suitable.
Experience
Once you have assembled a list, it is time to look into other essential factors. The years of
experience a contractor has is crucial to look for while hiring. The longer they have been in
the business, the better it is. Determine the number of projects they have completed
successfully and their reputation in the industry. A remodeler with years of experience knows
the ins and outs of the industry. He will also understand your requirements and expectations
better.
Reviews
Every business has an online presence in modern times. The Internet is the best place to
research the shortlisted contractors. Check online reviews on various sites to see the track
record of the number of happy customers. Also, read the negative feedback to understand the
reason for dissatisfaction.
Face-to-Face Interaction
Avoid hiring a contractor that does not have a physical address mentioned on their website. It
is always advisable to hire a local contractor who you can visit personally. Call them to set up
a meeting to look at their working space and discuss the project in detail.
Credentials
Look into the required credentials to protect yourself from being conned by fly-by-night
contractors. Check whether the contractor is registered with organizations such as the
National Association of Homebuilders or National Association of the Remodeling Industry or
has earned certifications from reputable institutions. It ensures that the contractor is reliable
and genuine.
Portfolio
Seeing the portfolio should be a prime consideration while hiring a remodeling contractor.
Checking on their previous projects gives a better idea of their field of specialization and how
efficient they are at their work. Shortlist contractors who have expertise in the home areas
you are looking to renovate.
References
If you like a contractor’s portfolio, ask them for references. A contractor confident of his
work will willingly offer the contact number of his previous clients. Speak with them about
their experience working with the contractor and how positively he addressed their concerns
and handled any issues. It will help set realistic expectations.
License, Insurance, and Bonding
Insurance
Check the remodeler’s license to ensure he is authorized by the State to carry out the
remodeling projects. Avoid working with non-licensed contractors to avoid hassles.
Along with the license, it is essential to check that the contractor is also fully insured and
bonded. Ask for a copy of their insurance documents and ensure that the certificates are
recent. A contractor with worker’s compensation and liability insurance gives homeowners
peace of mind that they won’t be held liable for any accident on the property.
A contractor should also show proof of bonding to ensure protection if the remodeler does
sub-par work, quits in the middle of the project, or doesn’t compensate his employees.
Price
Price
Cost is one of the main factors in every remodeling project. Work out on your expectations
before discussing pricing with the contractor. Remember, the contractor that offers the lowest
quote is not necessarily the best. Avoid contractors quoting a very high or low price. Hire the
one who is affordable and guarantees his work.
Get Multiple Bids
Multiple Bids
Talk to multiple contractors and get written estimates from at least three you found suitable.
It should mention all the details like pricing, materials, project duration, and other particulars.
Carefully compare the bids on different factors to narrow down the one that perfectly matches
your needs.
While talking to a contractor, never hesitate to ask questions and clear all the doubts. Avoid
relying on handshakes or verbal agreements. Get all the details of the contract in writing to
avoid issues in the future.
It is essential to have the right team of professionals for the home remodeling project. Follow
the above considerations to hire the remodeler accomplished to deliver the desired results. An
experienced, reliable, and trustworthy home remodeling contractor ensures high-quality work
completed within the given time-frame and budget.