How to Choose Contractors for Home Remodeling

 Home remodels and renovations tend to become much more complicated than expected, whether you’re working on one room or doing an extensive makeover for the entire house. You may be able to DIY the project if you’re working only on a few surfaces or fixtures. But it’s always a good idea to hire a contractor for a home remodel if you want to get things done quickly and expertly. It’s worth the extra cost down the line, specifically when you work with someone with proven expertise and success in completing remodeling projects according to their client’s unique needs.

 

As remodeling and building experts, contractors will take care of the necessary permits, including the materials, labor, inspections, and even the equipment to ensure the seamless completion of your project. You only have to ensure you’re hiring an appropriate contractor that can efficiently and correctly meet your project’s requirements.

 

But that’s usually easier said than done.

 

One of the most challenging things about home improvement is selecting a contractor you can trust. It gets nerve-racking when you have read or heard about contractor horror stories involving scams, uninsured workers, unfinished projects, and accidents on the work site. However, you can avoid shady companies and workers when you know what to look for and consider. Here is a guide to help you pick an appropriate contractor for your home remodel project.

 

Determine your needs and wants

 

Firstly, identify what you want to achieve with your project. It helps to have a plan, knowing what to remodel and how to get it done. Knowing your wants and needs will also help qualified contractors give a more accurate estimate to enable easy comparison of offers. Consider talking to a design consultant or ask a design-build firm for assistance. Find someone else if a contractor doesn't agree with your goals and vision.

Get recommendations

 

Your family, friends, and colleagues might be able to recommend a trustworthy and good contractor for home remodel. Otherwise, use an online contractor referral service to find qualified home remodeling contractors near you. It’s a quicker and easier way to find the best contractors that can provide free estimates, so you can compare their prices and offers and make an informed hiring decision.

 

How to use an online contractor referral service

 

Submit a project request form, and you will get matched with qualified contractors near you. The service provider may contact you  to ask a few more questions about your home remodeling project and clarify some needs. You can expect the matched contractors to get in touch within 24 to 48 hours to schedule an estimate.

 

Make sure it’s free to use the service, including getting estimates. Contractors shouldn’t charge extra for providing you with an estimate. Moreover, consider an online contractor referral service that personally knows every contractor in its network and their remodeling specialties. That way, you can count on it to proficiently match you with the best contractors that can satisfy your needs.

 

Don’t settle for one contractor.

 

Find multiple contractors, preferably at least four. Some home remodeling contractors charge different rates based on their specialties, so it makes sense to get multiple bids, even if you already have a contractor in mind. Getting estimates from several contractors can give you a better picture of how they stack up against one another and get an enhanced perspective on how much your project should cost. It also helps you determine the caliber of work that your prospects can provide.

 

Schedule separate interviews with every contractor on your list to find out if they can accommodate your project and learn about their availability. You should also take the time to identify the licenses required for home remodeling in your area. That way, you can determine if your prospects are certified. Be sure to verify their certifications and qualifications.

 

Check BBB ratings and references.

 

Make sure the contractor for home remodel is a registered professional or business. Ask for the official name of their registered business. Cross-check with relevant authorities, such as the Better Business Bureau. Using the BBB, you can determine if the contractors have had any complaints or issues and how these were resolved. Their official name can also help you check their business permits, licenses, and professional affiliations to reputable organizations relevant to their profession.

 

Explore credentials

 

Consider contractors who hold the necessary licenses from local and state municipalities. Check their designations from professional associations, such as the National Association of Homebuilders, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, and the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

 

Consider a contractor for a home remodel that has invested in further studies and passed rigorous tests to obtain special certifications. Not all certifications are equal, but knowing what they are can help you identify the requirements.

 

Conduct background checks

 

Always do background checks, even if you got recommendations from a friend or relative. Ensure the contractor has minimum credentials and a license to work in your area. Verify their insurance coverage to see if it’s adequate. Consider at least a million dollars in worker’s compensation and liability coverage. Get policy and license numbers to verify that they are up-to-date.

 

Arrange a proper meeting to discuss your requirements

 

A reputable contractor must be willing to meet up to know and discuss your requirements. It’s a chance for them to review your blueprints and plans and know how much you can spend on the project. 

 

In your case, this is an opportunity to get another price estimate now that you have provided them with more information. Meeting in person allows you to determine how well the contractor communicates and if you can get along with them.

 

Verify references

 

Ask the contractor about their previous projects. If you like them, ask for references and don’t forget to verify them. Contacting former clients can give you an idea of their experience and thoughts about the contractor. Ask them how well the contractor did, if they were satisfied, were they on time, etc. Investigate the contractor’s work habits and work history.

 

Compare bids properly

 

Always choose well-defined bids. When comparing bids, ask every contractor about their costs for materials, labor, and other expenses. According to This Old House, materials must be around 40 percent of your total cost, another 40 percent goes to labor and other expenses, and up to 20 percent is applicable for the profit margin.

 

Try to negotiate

 

When you find an ideal bid, consider negotiating with the contractor for the home remodel. Ensure a detailed contract and familiarize yourself with it before starting the project. Pay close attention to the contracts and bids. Remember that it’s your responsibility to get the bids and ensure that the prices are mentioned clearly on contracts. Ask questions if something is unclear.