Hiring a home improvement contractor is a daunting process. You hear horror story after horror story about contractors taking the money and running, and you don’t want that to happen to you. You are trusting this person in your home, and you need to know they will respect your property and perform the job as expected.
The good news is, if you do your due diligence and go through these five steps, you can relax knowing that you found a qualified home improvement contractor that will give you the home of your dreams.
1. Confirm They Can Meet Your Style Preferences
Not all contractors work within all style types, so before you dig too deep into the research process, you first want to make sure the contractor can help you create what you are envisioning. Ask for a portfolio to see past projects and show them photos of what you had in mind to make sure you are on the same page.
2. Compare Prices
Next, you will want to make sure the contractor’s pricing structure is upfront and fair. You don’t want to be shocked with a bunch of fees and add-ons at the end of the project. Find a contractor that is willing to give you a firm quote, with the understanding that if something needs to change mid-project, you can expect to pay a different amount.
You should also confirm that only part of the money is due upfront, with the remainder paid upon completion.
3. Ask About Their Experience
While even new contractors can be good at their job, they don’t have the history to prove that they are dependable and honest. As such, it is a wise idea to look for a contractor with a proven record: A contractor who finishes the work they started and whose work is high-quality.
You also want to see if they have any experience with the specific type of renovation you are undergoing, because most contractors will have their own specialty.
4. Make Sure They Have the Proper Certifications
You would be surprised how many contractors try to operate without the required licenses and permits. What’s even scarier is the number of plumbers and electricians that try to get by without them.
However, most states do require certifications and specialized licenses, so you always want to ask to see the contractor’s licenses and certifications and confirm that they are up-to-date.
5. Check Third-Party Reviews
Anyone can write fake reviews on their own website. It’s your job to locate the real and reliable ones. Look at sources like Yelp or Angie’s List to uncover what real customers think about the contractors you are considering.
Do they leave rave reviews about the quality of work and the professionalism of the contractor? If so, that is a contractor you can consider hiring.
As long as you put some time into the research process, you can be confident in the home improvement contractor you decide to hire. Before you know it, your home renovation will be complete, and you will be thrilled.