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Quick Tips for Selecting the Right Contractor

Hiring the perfect contractor to spearhead your perfect remodel can be a daunting task. It’s important to find someone experienced and trustworthy, as the alternatives involve risking shoddy craftsmanship, or worse, being scammed. For those starting the process of hiring a contractor to bring that dream remodel to life, here are a few quick tips on how you can select the right contractor to work with.

1. Figure out what you want before interviewing contractors. If you do need to speak with professionals to help you decide, we encourage you to take some time to make calls and do research. That being said, when the time rolls around to get estimates and make a hiring decision, it’s easier if you can bring exact expectations to be in the best position to compare and contrast the answers you receive.
2. Ask for references. Hiring someone that you trust with your home and your finances is a big decision. If you can get names from friends who had work done on their home that they loved, it will increase the chances you’ll be satisfied with your hire once the project is underway.
3. Plan to hire for a later date. The best contractors book their calendars out, so make sure your schedule is flexible enough to work with them. Don’t plan a remodel at the last minute and then rush to get it done, otherwise you’ll have slimmer pickings when it comes to the quality of the work you receive.
4. Check licenses and insurance. If your contractor doesn’t have insurance, you do not want to learn that fact after one of their employees becomes injured on your property. Ask about all their credentials, and ask to see the actual documentation. You can never be too cautious when it comes to liability.
5. Discuss timelines. Timelines are one of the number one places people become dissatisfied with their contractor and remodel. Living in construction is tough, and it’s important to know when it will end. By bringing up timelines up front and accounting for possible delays, you’ll avoid being unpleasantly surprised along the way.
6. Discuss budget. In addition to timeline, unexpected increases in budget also rank high on remodel regrets. Nobody wants to be mid-remodel and discover a problem you can’t afford needs to be addressed before the project can continue. Discuss possible setbacks with your contractor, and always keep a small buffer fund for unexpected expenses.
7. Keep lines of communication open. There are a number of unexpected obstacles or questions that can arise during a remodel, but anything can be solved with productive and respectful communication. You’re sure to enjoy problem solving together more if you’re both on the same page.