Hiring the Right Home Remodeling Contractor – The First Time
While home remodeling services are a dime a dozen, not every one of them is competent. As a matter of fact, many contractors are downright unprofessional, inexperienced, and in some cases, deceptive. So, as a homeowner, it is your job to shortlist and finalize the best contractor for the job.
In this article, we’ll discuss a few things you can do to ensure that you don’t end up with a contractor that costs you time and money, but with little to show in the way of results.
Search for an Expert
Now the problem is that every contractor claims to be an expert. However, it is your job to find out if they are trained professionals with experience with extensive knowledge of construction, cost control and applicable building codes. Do they have a history of providing excellent customer service and multiple real reviews? Also, do they have a contract in place to explain all the details and scope of work of your project with payment terms.
Before you go any further, start with building a list of contractors that meet the above criteria, you can start with five contractors and then begin to whittle them down from there.
Plan Your Conversation
Before you speak to contractors it is imperative to have a clear goal of the issues you want to be fixed. If you want kitchen and bathroom remodeling make a list of what your goals are for the project. You will want to present as much information as possible to the contractor during the interview. If you know the source of a certain problem, make sure that you explain it to the contractor.
You will also want to prepare answers to some of the most common questions that your contractor might ask. They (contractors) often ask about the size and age of the home, utility information, fuel and heating systems used, etc. Some contractors will ask questions you didn’t think of, but take notes and get back to them with the answers.
Interview a Company Over the Phone
Once you are prepared to speak with a contractor, call them up. A phone interview can tell you a lot about the contractor. Here are a few questions we recommend you ask them over the phone:
- How many projects have you recently completed? Also, how many do you complete each year on average?
- Do you subcontract aspects of the remodeling project, and if so, what?
- Are the subcontractors aware of energy efficiency?
- How soon can you start working on my project?
- Can you provide me with a certificate of insurance?
- Is your business and work covered by insurance, and if so, then what type?
After Agape Home Services did a full remodel on this bathroom in Coppell, TX
Finally, Check References
Good home remodeling services will have no issue providing you with references. However, once you do have their references make sure to call them before making a final decision. Always ask their previous customers if they were satisfied, happy with the results today, and were there any outages?
Conclusion
The best way to avoid hiring the wrong contractor is to be prepared. The more research you do before hiring a contractor, the lower your chances of hiring someone who ends up ruining your home remodeling project. At Agape Home Services we always recommend that clients take their time even when it comes to interviewing and hiring us.
