How to find a renovation contractor
Jul/17/2020 633 Follow these 5 steps to find the best home renovation contractor
So you’ve finally made the decision to update and improve your home. Congratulations, that’s a big decision. You’re in for quite a journey, but you’ll come out of it with a beautiful new home. Whether you’re refreshing your shower or adding a new backsplash to your kitchen, hiring a contractor is the way to go. Renovating your own home can sound appealing when you consider the cost savings, but if you work and have a family, there’s little time to invest in a home improvement project.
Choosing a home renovation contractor is probably the hardest part of any renovation. Choosing materials and design elements is the fun part, but choosing the right contractor is vital to the success of your project. You might question if you’re the best person to interview a contractor on a job you can’t do yourself, but you are. It’s your home and your project. You’re the best person for the job.
Your renovation contractor is like an employee. As such, it’s important that they interview for the job. It’s also important that you screen more than one candidate. Researching and interviewing multiple contractors will give you additional insights and help you save. That process can be daunting, but HomeContractors101 makes it easier. Simply submit your project on the website and get matched with experienced contractors in your area. Research contractors, ask the right questions and compare quotes to find the best renovation contractor for your job.
Here are steps towards finding the best renovation contractor near you.
Step 1: Make a list
Whether you use HomeContractors101 or conduct a Google search, make a list of ten to 15 local home renovation contractors who specialize in your renovation project. You will narrow down the list to the top contenders, but it’s good to start with a larger list. To form your list you can:
· Use HomeContractors101
· Ask homeowner friends or family for recommendations
· Search online
· Research online reviews
· Post on social media that you’re in the market for a renovation contractor to source recommendations
Avoid contractors who have no online presence, as it makes it difficult to confirm their work or hold them accountable.
Step 2: Compare each contractor’s portfolio
First, go with a renovation contractor that specializes in your project. There are contractors who specialize in kitchen remodels vs bathroom remodels, and so on. They will know what materials work best in certain environments and rooms. Ask your contractors to provide you with their portfolio or pictures of their previous work.
Step 3: Ask to view important documents
Ask your contractors if they are insured, licensed and certified. It’s okay to ask renovation contractors to show you proof they possess these documents, so that you can verify them. Make sure everyone on your short list has liability insurance in case they cause damage to your home. Your contractor and any of their workers should also have worker’s compensation in case they are injured while working on your home. Check to make sure all insurance policies are up to date.
Step 4: Ask and check references
It’s okay to ask your renovation contractor for references. Afterall, you’ve probably been asked to provide references for any job you have ever had. Call references to confirm that the contractor performed the work they claim and that the person was happy with their work. Be weary of contractors who won’t provide references.
Step 5: Request bids for your job and hire a contractor
At this point you should have whittled your list down significantly. Ask for bids from multiple contractors to compare pricing. Ask them to provide a breakdown of their proposal, so that you can conduct a true comparison. After conducting interviews, researching each contractor and reviewing their proposal, you’re ready to make a decision and hire a renovation contractor for your project.
Start your renovation project now. Submit your project to HomeContractors101 now and meet contractors near you.
