Tips to select the best contractor
Remodeling your home is an exciting step in any homeowners journey, but it is not a step to be taken lightly. Home remodels are costly and a big financial decision. When selecting a company to do your home’s remodel, you want to make sure they are qualified professionals that have the vision to create your dream home. Choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between your dream home and a living nightmare.
- Ask for referrals: Friends and family may have used home remodel contractors in the past. Ask them who they used, whether or not they would recommend them, and why. Additionally, check with your local chamber of commerce or builders association.
- Check references: Ask potential contractors if they are willing to share references of clients that have used their services in the past.
- Interview: Sit down with the contractors you’ve found, and ask them questions about your project and their experience.
- Do your research: Look into potential contractors, their quality of work, online reviews, and certifications they hold.
Questions to ask potential contractors
When selecting a home remodel contractor, it is important to understand the full picture and scope of work in addition to the costs involved, the experience of the company, and other details. This list will help get you started:
- “How long have you been in the business, and what are your credentials?”
- “Who will be responsible for pulling the permits for this job?”
- “What is the payment schedule for this job?”
- “Will you be doing the work, or will there be subcontractors?”
- “What will daily construction be like if I select your company?”
- “How will you protect my property and assess undue damage?”
- “How will you handle additional or unexpected costs?”
After you’ve selected a contractor
Congratulations! You’re through the hard part. After selecting the contractor you feel is the best fit for you, make sure that you are signing a detailed contract that lays out the deadlines, costs involved, and materials that will be used.
After your contract is signed, the next step will be pulling the proper permits. Don’t worry, this should be up to the contractor, and if your contractor is asking you to pull the permits yourself, or even worse, remodel without permits, stay away!
As your home remodel progresses, make sure to stay in regular contact with your contractor. There will be issues that come up, unexpected costs, and questions. You don’t want to be caught off guard because you and your contractor have not stayed in communication.
Once your job is complete, make your final payment. Do not pay your contractor their final payment until the job is complete.
If you have questions about remodeling your home, contact Halco, Inc. at info@homesbyhalco.com.