Thinking about remodeling or renovating your home? Unless you intend to make it a DIY project, you’re going to want to hire a contractor and crew to get the job done. More importantly, you need to make sure you hire the right one so that the project goes smoothly.
If you’re not sure how to do that, don’t worry – here are five tips that will help you come to the best decision:
• List down your requirements
The first thing you should do is list out any and all requirements you may have. Think about the type of project you want to get done, and outline all of its key points.
With that list you can focus on finding contractors that have the relevant experience and eliminate those that do not early on.
• Interview potential contractors
Once you’ve shortlisted several contractors that seem to fit the bill, you should interview them directly. It is best to give them a call or send an email to save time.
During the interview you can ask them about similar projects they’ve done in the past and request references or a list of their previous clients.
• Make sure you’re on the same page
To avoid future mishaps you need to check that the contractor fully understands your requirements. After you tell them what you want, get them to describe it in their own words or come up with basic sketches.
Not only will this ensure that the final result matches your expectations, but it will also give you the chance to ask them if they have any recommendations that may work better.
• Get multiple quotes
After interviewing contractors and listing your requirements – don’t just agree on the spot. Instead, ask them for a quote and then continue your search. The quote should include a breakdown of the material cost as well as an estimate of the labor hours and their cost.
Keep in mind that you may not necessarily want to choose the cheapest quote, but should look for one that is reliable and within your budget.
• Put everything in writing
If and when you do decide on a contractor, put everything in writing – including the payment schedule, insurance, material list and costs, and so on. It must also specify that the contractor obtains lien releases, and outline the process to change any of the project requirements.
Having all the terms in writing is key to protect both parties and ensure the success of the project.
If you follow these tips you should be able to easily find the right contractor and get a crew on site to start remodeling or renovating your home. Be sure not to rush however, as it is always better to be thorough and take your time when going through your options.
At the end of the day your goal should be to find a contractor that understands your project and is reliable, cost-effective, experienced, as well as one with whom you can communicate well.
