Whether it’s your first time remodeling or you’re a repeat client, there are plenty of things to keep in mind when choosing the right contractor for your home project. The last thing you want is to put your trust in the wrong company, and then be left with an unfinished job or with one that didn’t turn out as well as it could have if you had picked another company to do the work. To make sure you’re hiring the best contractor available, consider these tips about how to find the right contractor for home remodeling.

Why Even Need a Contractor?

We all know that a house needs a lot of work, but it can be hard to know where and how to start. From fixing leaky faucets and painting your front door, to remodeling your kitchen or building an extension on your house, there are many different types of jobs that you may need help with. It can be tempting just to hire whoever’s cheapest, but it’s important not just to price shop.

DIY projects are tempting, but remodeling isn’t a project for the inexperienced. Some jobs will take more time than expected and others may require more effort than first anticipated. Click here to learn more about hiring a reputable contractor.

If you’re considering a do-it-yourself home remodel project, ask yourself these questions:

Is this something I can afford to spend my weekends on?

• Can I devote enough time to ensure quality results?
• Do I have the experience and skills to get it done?
• Am I prepared for potential problems like ruined materials or wasted supplies?

If so, then go ahead and get started! Most people will likely say no to at least one of those questions. If so, it’s time to start identifying your remodeling contractors.

Next, you need to determine which kind of services you require.

• Do you need a full construction team or just a carpenter?
• Do you want one company for design and another for remodel?
• Do you want one group that provides both services?

With so many options available, it’s essential that you find someone who provides exactly what you’re looking for.

Ask for Referrals

Builders and remodeling contractors come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. When considering which remodeling contractors to hire it’s important to know that not all home remodelers are created equal. There are many factors you should consider when selecting a contractor, including how long they have been in business, their work history, BBB ratings, reviews on social media sites such as Yelp and Houzz, company affiliations (such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry), and insurance coverage.

With all of those areas to look at, one of the quickest and easiest ways to narrow down your search is by asking friends and family for referrals. The advice you get from these sources can be invaluable. If someone close to you has had a positive experience with a particular builder or contractor then take advantage of this opportunity and ask them more about their decision process.

• What made them choose this person?
• Did they use them because they were cheaper or more expensive?
• Is there anything specific that stood out about the process?

The answers may give you some helpful insight into what features might be most important to your own project.

Look at Credentials

Before you even think about contacting a contractor, make sure they are licensed, insured, and have all of their proper certifications. Once you have found a contractor that checks these boxes, make sure they offer what it is that you’re looking for. If they don’t offer something you need or want, keep looking!

Interview Candidates

• Have you ever done a project similar to mine?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• What is your education or certification?
• What are your references like?
• How much experience do you have in the field?

These are all questions you should be asking to narrow down your list of candidates. It’s also important that they are able to give you an estimate on pricing, so that will factor into the decision as well. It’s important not just to find someone with a low price, but rather someone who has an experience with your particular type of remodel and can do it at an affordable rate. Make sure there are no surprises when it comes time for payment!

Get Quotes

Home renovations and remodels average $47,950. That’s a big price tag so when it comes time to hire a contractor you don’t want to be surprised by the quality of work or price tag. Make sure you get multiple quotes to make sure they’re in similar ranges. The cheapest doesn’t mean quality is comparable, just like most expensive won’t equate to best quality. Price is just one of the many factors that should be considered during the process.

When you’re ready to get quotes, check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and online reviews. They can provide an overview of what kind of complaints have been lodged against specific contractors. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t hire them, but it will give you a realistic idea of what you’re getting into.