If you’re planning on investing in a home renovation, then one of the most important steps in ensuring a successful project is hiring a reliable and experienced contractor. The following are a few tips for choosing the right contractor for your project:
- Get a referral – One of the best ways to gauge the reputation of a contractor is by asking friends and family for referrals. You can even go directly to the contractors that you are comparing to ask for client referrals. A good contractor will have no problem providing you with a list of referrals if they have a good reputation.
- Choose an experienced contractor – Experience is vital when it comes to choosing a contractor. An experienced contractor will have the proper certifications and will be a part of an organization like the National Association of Homebuilders. Last but not least, ask about their specific remodeling experience. Even if a contractor boasts over a decade of experience, if that experience is exclusively from remodeling bathrooms, then they may not be a good fit for your kitchen remodel.
- Make sure that the contractor is fully licensed and insured – Contractors are required to be licensed within the state they are working in. Without it, not only are they working illegally, but they’ll have a difficult time obtaining permits. Additionally, to limit your liability and protect yourself financially, you need to make sure that the contractor has both workman’s compensation insurance and liability insurance.
- Ask to see previous work – Even if the builder has a lot of experience doing the particular type of renovation that your project requires, it doesn’t mean that their style will fit your personal tastes. They should have pictures of their work available to look at on their website as well as in person.
- Get estimates – You should ask about the estimated duration of the project, the estimated cost, how many people will need to work on the project and how they plan on communicating with you. Communication is particularly essential. You’ll want to make sure the contractor provides you with multiple ways to get in contact with someone in case of an emergency, such as their cell phone number.
If you’re going to invest in a home renovation, then you’ll want to make sure that you hire a reputable contractor. Use these tips to choose a high quality contractor that will fit your remodeling needs.