fourthaveWith the many home renovation projects around, choosing the right contractor can be quite challenging. Of course, the cheapest is not always the best, but selecting a company that offers great service and specializes in what you need is going to be important. But before you call any contractor, there are a few things that need to be considered:
The first thing is to know what you want. What do you want done, and how are you going to get it done? For example, if you are updating an old house, there are many contractors out there who can do the work, but finding one that has the experience with older homes and structures will be vital. Asking for referrals from friends or family helps, but it is also important to check out samples of their previous work.
In addition, be sure that you understand exactly what you are getting. Do you want the job to be redone or simply repaired? Some companies may be able to offer both, so be sure to ask about this. Additionally, be wary of companies that offer a lower price for work that is more extensive, or work that you have already done elsewhere.
Ask the contractor about their insurance. Often times, if a contractor does not have insurance, it can cost you a lot more money in the long run. Find out if they carry insurance, and what kind of coverage they have in your state. You should also find out whether or not they carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Do not feel pressured into doing anything you are not comfortable with. Always have a contract in place, laid out exactly what is expected of them, and specified when work is due. Be wary of companies that try to pressure you into doing more than what you agreed to. If a contractor refuses to offer you a guarantee, either accept it if you wish to move forward with the work, or move on.
Be sure to ask about guarantees, too. The more safeguards a company has in place for payment, and the less likely you are to become dissatisfied, the better off you will be. Also, ensure that the company you choose uses competent workers who will do a good job installing or renovating your home. This way, you will feel confident that your renovation will come in on time and within budget.
Finally, find out what other people have to say about the home renovation work that you are considering. There are many resources available on the Internet where you can read reviews from previous clients or past homeowners. Take advantage of these first few reviews, and learn what others have said about the work quality or finishing. This is important, as there are literally millions of different reviews online at the moment. A low-rated contractor can easily have his website pulled off the search engine results list due to low ratings. However, a high-rated contractor can still have his website get traffic, so keep an eye out for these.
It is also very important to talk directly to the contractors that you are considering. After all, this is your home they will be working on, and they have been working on many homes before that. You should ask how long they have been in business and ask for references. Most importantly, remember that quality is key. Don’t work with a contractor whose work you would not recommend to anyone else.
It is also important to follow through with the timeline set by the contractor for the work to be done. Sometimes this may mean making extra visits to check on the work, or communicating with the contractor more than once to make sure the work is proceeding as planned. Some homeowners overlook these details, which can result in the project lasting longer than it should, or even needing to be delayed further down the line.
Finding a good contractor for your home renovation project does not have to be a difficult task. Just be sure to look into the references listed with them, check out the timeline, and communicate with the contractor clearly on what your expectations are. After all, if you aren’t happy with the end result, you will have to live with it. Taking the proper steps to ensure that you are happy with the final result is key.
Reputable contractors can be found online, in local business listings, and even by contacting your local contractor’s association. There are also plenty of contractors willing to take on smaller projects as long as they are told in advance. By following this advice, finding a good contractor for your home renovation will be a lot easier.
