So, you want to make some renovations to your house. Luckily, in 2021, the internet has made it much easier to find local contractors and companies to compare quotes, but the endlessness of Google can sometimes make it feel like you have too many options and you don’t know where to start. How do you make the decision between contractors when they all seem to be the right fit? There are a few questions that you want to ask every contractor you’re interviewing for a project, and here are a few of our favorites:
1) How long have you been in the business?
When researching a contractor to hire to help you renovate your home, regardless of whether it’s a simple project like installing dual-paned windows to conserve energy and money or completely overhauling your kitchen, you want to make sure that the professional you’re hiring has the years of experience needed to complete a quality project. You want to go with a company who has been in the business for decades and are specialists in what they do (like us!) to make sure things get done right the first time.
2) Can I see your contractor’s license and reviews?
As the cost of homes and the cost of renovation supplies continue to increase (and lumber costs are at an all time high right now), we understand the desire to keep costs low. However, an incredible deal likely means that the quality of the work is not what you’re expecting. While looking at a contractor or company’s previous work can give a good perspective on the quality of their work, you want to make sure you’re dotting all your I’s and crossing all your T’s in regards to your contractor’s licensure. Remember, there is never a good or legal reason to work with a contractor who is not properly licensed for the work they’ll be doing on your property. Your safest bet will be to compare contractors to their listings on home service sites like Angi or HomeAdvisor which can give you the lowdown on the work they’ve done, communication style with their clients, and whether they’ll be a good fit for you.
3) What does the timeline for this project look like?
Even with the best laid plans, you can never be 100% sure that a home renovation project will be completed exactly on schedule. However, setting a realistic timeline and establishing communication standards with your contractor in case the timeline needs to be adjusted is the best way to make sure the project is a success.
4) What guarantees can you give me?
When you’ve set a fixed budget for your renovations, managing the cleanup and any extra property damage contractors may cause can add up quickly. Contractors should have measures in place for property protection during construction, but knowing exactly what those are can put your concerns at ease. Between gaining necessary construction approvals and agreeing to your terms of the contract, agreements between you and your contractor in the early stages makes completion of the project that much easier. Additionally, asking for guarantees and proof of insurance will give you the peace of mind that if something goes wrong, you won’t be left trying to fix the mess.
Your vision for the renovation project of your dreams and concerns you may have about being able to make that vision come to life are essential to making sure the project is completed. Similarly, your contractor should have these things in mind as well, which means both of you need to be on the same page prior to renovation beginning. Making the most informed decision you can from the initial hiring process to nailing down the contract will save you all of the stress in the long run. Just as every project is unique, the care you require for your property’s space is just as individual. Making sure that you and your contractor are on the same page ensures everyone is comfortable with decisions during the process.
