How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor
A remodeling contractor is a professional who specializes in the design and construction of residential homes, apartment complexes, commercial buildings and more. They also work on interior design projects. They may work for a general contractor or be part of a design-build firm.
Remodeling contractors are distinct from handymen, who do small individual jobs such as fixing a leaky sink or installing a new hot water heater. There are a few overlaps between these two categories, but the scope of each is much different.
When choosing a remodeling contractor, it is best to do your homework and find out as much as you can about them before you hire them. This will help you avoid hiring someone who is not a good fit for your project or has poor quality work.
Once you have a short list of potential candidates, contact each and ask for references. Ideally, you will receive at least three references from each.
Check out their website for testimonials and reviews from past clients, as well as industry awards and affiliations. These things will give you a feel for whether they are professional, reliable and honest.
Make sure they are licensed and insured to do the work you want them to do. This is a major factor in hiring a contractor and it can help you avoid a lot of trouble down the road. It is also important to make sure the contractor you choose is bonded and has adequate insurance policies for your home and family.
You should also be able to visit their work sites and see their completed projects. This will give you a better sense of their work and how they handle problems as they arise during the project.
When you meet with the potential contractors, be sure to discuss the scope of the work you want them to do, including how much material will be used and how long the project will take. Then, ask for a price quote for the job.
Usually, you will want to get at least three quotes from each contractor, so that you can compare them and make an informed decision on which one you would like to hire for your project. This process will save you a lot of time and money.
Once you have selected the contractors you like, it is time to schedule a meeting. This is a good opportunity to ask questions and learn more about them and their processes, team members, suppliers, special skills and previous work similar to your project.
Another thing you can do during the meeting is to ask the contractor for samples of their work. Often, these are in the form of pictures or video and can show you how their finished projects look.
This will give you a better idea of the kind of work they do, and can help you determine if they have the experience you need for your remodel.
During the meeting, you can ask about their company philosophy and how they will approach your project. You can also ask about the process and timeline they use to complete each phase of the remodel, as well as how they will communicate with you during the project. It is a great opportunity to see if they are easy to work with and have a clear vision for your project.