Hiring home remodeling contractors is an important decision because you have so much at stake. These important tips for choosing a contractor cover some of the most common mistakes, and they can be easily avoided with research and attention to detail.
Insufficient Contractor Research You can avoid contractor problems by properly vetting your selected home remodeling contractors. Start by asking your family, friends, and neighbors for references of contractors they’ve used. Speaking directly to previous customers can give you insight into what to expect in many ways, including professionalism and customer courtesy. Follow up by checking out online reviews and testimonials, and then choose from the best of the best. Fly-By-Night Contractors Make sure that any home remodeling contractors you invite into your home are properly licensed and insured. This helps you ensure that you will receive a professional remodel, and protect the job against contractor errors and damages. Additionally, be wary of contractors who ask for frequent draws against the contract. A situation such as that means you are funding the contractor while work is being performed and has the potential to result in a job that is abandoned before completion. Out-Of-Town Contractors Think globally, but act locally. Not only does hiring local remodelers improve punctuality and timeliness, but it also helps support your community. Hiring from out of town means that everything you invest in time and labor is money that gets reinvested in some other region or city. Similarly, employing local workers keeps your community vibrant and more sustainable. Consultation and Estimates Meet with an estimator or other company representatives before any work begins and make sure that they fully understand what you want to be done and you are clear about what the costs will be. It can be very difficult to set an exact final price because materials and other expenses may fluctuate during the job, but you also want to avoid giving your home contractors a figurative blank check to work with Keep the “Contract” in Your Contractors A handshake and a fare-thee-well are no guarantee that the job will be completed or even match what you thought you had agreed upon. A gentleman’s agreement may be appropriate for some tasks around the house, but not when you are investing in renovations that affect your bottom line and the value of your home. The best approach is to have a clear contract drawn up that specifies what you will be paying for, when the job will be complete, and other details of the work to be performed. The importance of carefully choosing your home remodeling contractors is best summed up by the Latin phrase, “Caveat emptor,” which means to let the buyer beware. Poorly done renovations may have to be repaired or replaced at additional expense, and that money could better serve you for other things.
1 Comment
12/4/2022 03:54:31 pm
Great advice on how you should find a remodeling contractor that can quickly provide an estimate on how much the project will eventually cost you. My uncle is interested in transforming his cooking space but has a hard time figuring out the process for it. I should discuss this information with him to find a contractor to assist!
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