Taking on a remodeling project can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many decisions to make, from choosing materials and finishes to determining the project scope and timeline, having the right contractor by your side makes all the difference. But not all contractors are created equal when it comes to skill, experience and professionalism. So how do you go about finding the perfect partner for your remodeling plans?
Do Your Research
Start your search by asking friends, family and neighbors if they have any recommendations. Check online review sites like Yelp and Angie’s List to read feedback from past clients – both positive and negative. Look at examples of previous work in photos online or better yet, in person.
And don’t just focus on aesthetic results, but try to get a feel for how the whole process went from start to finish. Did the project stay on schedule and within budget? How responsive was the contractor throughout? The more insight you can gain, the better.
Verify Credentials
Any contractor you’re considering should be licensed, bonded and insured. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof upfront. Licensure shows they have received proper training and can legally operate in your state.
Bonding protects you financially should the contractor fail to complete work or meet obligations. And proper insurance covers any potential damage or injury that occurs on site. Checking these credentials is a quick way to weed out less professional options.
Ask About Experience
Ideally, you want to find a contractor with extensive experience taking on projects similar to yours. Remodeling requires niche expertise – a great general contractor may not have the skills needed for a complex kitchen overhaul or master bath renovation.
Be sure to ask about their background specifically in your type of project. And it can be wise to choose a company that focuses on remodeling over new construction. The skills needed to work within existing spaces tend to differ from those building from the ground up.
Get References
Any contractor should be able to provide references upon request – after all, satisfied clients are their best resource for garnering new business. Speaking with past customers gives you the chance to ask questions about their experience that online reviews may not touch on.
Be sure to inquire about communication, scheduling, problem-solving and the finished result. And paying attention to consistency across references is key – one bad review among many great ones is less concerning than several lukewarm recommendations.
Request a Detailed Bid
Bids are not all created equal when it comes to detail and transparency – a vague bid should raise red flags. Make sure the estimate thoroughly covers the agreed upon scope of work and spells out what specific materials will be used. Ask about any cost variables that could crop up or change the pricing down the road.
A contractor should explain exactly where your dollars are going. And remember that the cheapest option may not be the best – incredibly low bids likely mean cutting corners somewhere.
Ask About the Project Plan
From start to finish, you want to understand the who, what, where and when of your remodel. Will the same team work on your project from beginning to end? Can the contractor provide an estimated timeline with major milestones?
It’s not unreasonable to ask for a day-by-day breakdown. And find out who will be responsible for securing any required building permits. Having a clear roadmap in place avoids frustrations and hiccups.
Seek Specialized Skills
Certain projects require specialized expertise. For example, a major kitchen remodel with structural changes or high-end finishes requires skills that flippers or quantity-over-quality contractors likely lack. Seek out contractors with proven experience in your specific project type – and the work to showcase their skills. Portfolios with relevant before-and-after images are a must.
Confirm Availability
Be sure to discuss timing and availability before signing any contract. The last thing you want is an extended delay between demo and rebuilding due to another job. Know the contractor’s workload and schedule in advance. Ideally they will have adequate bandwidth to focus on your project promptly. Though smaller delays are understandable, extended lags between major phases should raise concerns.
Get a Written Contract
Never begin a remodeling project without a contract clearly defining expectations, payment schedule, contingency plans and more. Any verbal agreements or promises made during the bid process should be documented in writing. Both parties should sign, keeping copies for reference. Make sure the contract specifies start and end dates, total costs, payment breakdown, the scope of work, material selections and contingency plans should any disputes arise.
Trust Your Gut Feeling
Even after thorough vetting, you still need a gut check – do you feel comfortable around this contractor and confident in their capabilities? Good communication and compatibility help foster a productive working relationship, especially during unavoidable construction hiccups. Pay attention to how responsive and patient a contractor is during the bid process too. If red flags or feelings of doubt creep up, it may be best to get a second opinion before work begins.
Finding the right contractor for a remodeling project takes time but pays dividends in the long run. With the perfect partner, you can feel assured that your time, money and vision are in good hands. Just be sure to do thorough research and vetting – the lowest bid or first suggestion may not lead to the best results. But investing ample effort into finding the ideal contractor such as remodeling contractors St George Utah can transform even the most ambitious remodeling plans into a stress-free, positive reality.
