Looking to Do a Renovation? 4 Starting Tips to Hire the Right Contractor!

Over the past few years, just getting the commitment of a contractor was difficult. It can be stressful, especially if you are envisioning a major renovation. Finding the right person/company for the job is key. Here are some tips if you are hiring a professional that will exceed expectations.

 

1. Get Referrals from Trusted Friends and Family

• Be proactive in asking family, friends and neighbors for the names of contractors and professionals they’ve used. 
• Google nearby companies that fit what you envision as a scope of work. Once you have a list of possible partners, take the next step.

2. Reach Out

• Get in touch with your list of companies/partners. 
• Have a list of questions ready. One question to ask is if they specialize in your type of project. They should be able to easily talk about a number of projects they completed and the process they went through. 
• Ask how many other projects are currently managing and if any would impact the scheduling of your project. 
• Explore their understanding of local, county, and state relevant regulations and codes as they pertain to your project. 

3. Research The Options

• Verify that the company is licensed and bonded. 
• Check for any past judgements against them for any prior projects. 
• Look up internet testimonial websites such as yelp.com or angies.com. 
• Understand that using an unlicensed contractor puts the responsibility on your shoulders when it comes to applying codes – or if someone gets injured on your job

4. Meet the Contractor

After an initial phone call to introduce yourself, we always encourage meeting contractors in person prior to going into detail for any project. Zoom would be a distant second option but over the phone should not be considered. A face-to-face meeting allows you to ask more questions, provide insight into a contractor’s communication style, attention to detail and character. Remember, you will be working closely with the contractor and team, building trust prior to signing the checks is always a better choice.

 

If you have any questions regarding this process, reach out to us. We’ll be happy to provide some recommendations and direction.