Choosing a Remodeling Contractor
Learn how choosing the right remodeling contractor can make all the difference in getting a great remodeling experience. Learn what should you look for, what you should ask and what things you need to know.
Whether this your first remodeling project or if you’ve been burned in the past the remodeling process for many people can be very intimidating, confusing and down right scary. That’s why it is so important to have the right remodeling Contractor. A great contractor should not only make sure that everything on your project runs smoothly, but your life during the remodeling process runs smoothly as well. They should not only have all the skills, knowledge and paperwork needed to be a qualified contractor they should put your mind at ease.
First impressions go a long way to choosing a remodeling contractor
First impressions and the person matters When you first meet with a potential remodeling contractor be sure you trust your first impressions. Did they show up on time? Do they look professional? When taking to them do you feel that they are well informed and have a good knowledge of the remodeling industry? Do they make you feel confident, comfortable and reassured when answering questions and suggesting ideas.
- The right PERSON for the job: Another small but important key to choosing the right remodeling contractor is choosing the right person or people. You can have a great remodeling contractor that has all the right credentials, does great workmanship and has great references, however you may feel you cannot work well with them. You may feel that they brush off your questions or maybe they answer them but in a way that is condescending. Maybe the person just rubs you the wrong way. I know this seems like a petty and a very emotional way to make a decision, but think of this way this may be the person you’ll be working with for what could be a couple of months or more so if you don’t feel as if you can get along with this person it’s probably not a good idea to do business with them. That can only lead to problems and arguments in the future.
- Do they make you feel comfortable?: Remodeling projects can be large and in many cases expensive. Whether this your first remodeling project or if you’ve been burned in the past the remodeling process for many people can be very intimidating, confusing and down right scary. So be sure to choose someone that makes you feel comfortable. This means they answer all your questions and in a way that you as a homeowner understands. Remember we are contractor’s so we tend to answer questions in the language we know, but your contractor sure be able to explains things in ways that make sense to you. Your contractor should be reassuring, you want them to make you feel that when you have a concerns that they understand them and that they assure you that they will be dealt with.
- No Regrets: The worst thing that can happen is you get started on a your project with a particular contractor and when everything starts going horribly wrong and you say to yourself or your spouse “I thought something was wrong with this person from the first time I met them.” Um What? Duh! Why would you choose someone that gives you that impression in the first place? Your contractor should be someone that you can feel confident you made the right decision in which contractor you’ve chosen.
Know their Background & experience
Hire a remodeling contractor who specializes in the type of work you need done. Make sure they have completed projects like yours in the past. Be sure to ask them about those projects, you may even ask them if they have any current projects that you can visit and look at, a reputable contractor should have no problem with this request.
- Technical know-how. When you work with a professional remodeler, you are working with someone who fully understands construction including legal and licensing issues and is able to deal with the challenges and problems of making your home the best it can be for your comfort and convenience. They should be well informed of all codes and regulations. They should also up to date with all the new products and materials as this is the only way they can give you the best information and options for you project.
- Reputation is everything in the remodeling industry. When you work with a professional, you are invited to talk with previous clients, inspect completed projects and check out their standing in the business community. Nothing is hidden because their ongoing success is built on customer service. Remember the remodeling industry is a service business.
License and Liability insurance
It may seem obvious in the day in age to check whether a contractor is licensed, but I am still amazed how many homeowners don’t ask for this information or how many homeowners have used unlicensed contractors. So be sure you ask for the contractors license information if there is any hesitation from the contractor move on down line they’re not worth taking to. Any reputable contractor will proudly present this information without even be asked by a homeowner. Also keep in mind MHIC (Maryland Home Improvement Commission) requires contractors to clearly display both their company name and MHIC license number on all their work vehicles. So no name and no license number on a vehicle may be a clear warning to you. Also make sure your contractor has a Liability Insurance policy, make sure it is up to date and don’t hesitate to ask how much it covers.
Ask for References
Get at least three references for your contractor and call them. Obviously the contractor will likely give you references who had positive experiences, so be sure to ask them specific questions about workmanship that are important to you. You might be concerned about whether the contractor cleaned up his work area and kept to his time line or whether the final invoice matched the estimate.
A good remodeling contractor will provide a Clear Estimate
- Once you’ve prepared your list to two or three remodelers, ask for written estimates based on a set of plans and specifications. This is time-consuming for the contractor, so be prepared to pay for this. To accurately assess estimates, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Estimates from different remodelers need to be for identical project specifications.
- Finally, don’t let price alone determine who you pick. Your ranking of each remodeling contractor in terms of customer service, competence and your overall comfort level should play a much more important role. If you have questions about the estimate don’t hesitate to ask the contractor. If the prices varies greatly from one contractor to another be sure to ask why. It may be as simple a the cost a particular company has to run a business need to run, or it may be that a contractor missed something on specifications. Also it could be that a particular contractor caught something in the project that should be added in order to provide you with a project that was built to last. So ask questions in order to determine why prices for the same project varies. As you can see, there many things that go into the final decision in choosing a contractor so take your time and don’t rush! Remember, ask questions, ask questions and ask questions
A Clear Estimate A word about estimates
Concise Contract
What you should know about contracts You’ve picked a remodeler. However, no work should begin until you have a signed written agreement. Here are some basics your contract should include:
- A visual presentation — blueprint, floor plan or sketches — that shows what the remodeler will do and where.
- A timetable, including approximate start and completion dates.
- The price and payment schedule.
- Detailed specifications for all products and materials.
- Information on who will obtain and pay for necessary permits.
- Insurance information.
- The procedures for handling change orders.
- Lien releases to ensure you aren’t liable for third-party claims of nonpayment.
- Details on issues like access to your home, care of the premises and trash removal. Read your contract carefully, and review it with your remodeler to clarify any wording you don’t understand. When you have answers to all of your questions, you’re ready to sign the contract and start your project.
Key Points to choosing a remodeling contractor
- Make sure your contractor is licensed and ask to see the license.
- Take your time. Never rush into a project, no matter how badly improvements are needed. Get to know your Contractor.
- Be wary of the contractor who gives you a quote before thoroughly discussing your project.
- Always check references of projects currently in production.
- Always get a detailed, written scope of work and contract.
- A responsible contractor won’t ask you to complete the work without obtaining the required building permits.
- Don’t let payments get ahead of completed work.
- Get to know the entire “Remodeling Team” (Project Designer, Interior Designer and Project Manager) before you start.
- Take the time to look closely at all paperwork and contracts.
- Properly prepared contracts will include everything. Be very clear that money will not be released for work that has not been discussed, contracted and approved.
- NEVER use the word “ASSUME” in remodeling – Know what is included and what is excluded in the scope of work.
- Be prepared to make payments in increments. The exact schedule for this should be clearly established before work is begun.
- And most importantly – Understand that challenges will come up throughout the remodeling process. Decide for yourself, if the the company you will hire is capable of “Rescuing” you once the challenges arise.
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