Picking the Perfect Contractor for Your Home Remodeling

Everyone knows that keeping your home maintained and updated helps with the resale value.  What is not so easy to figure out is which contractor to hire when remodeling.  These tips should help make the job proceed a little more smoothly.

When picking a contractor, the home owner needs to do some research in order to make sure that the person they are inviting into their home is reliable, honest and does good work.  There are a few places to start.  Have your friends or neighbors had work done in the past?  If they are happy with the work that has been done, ask for the name and number of their contractor.  Asking the local building department or local lumber supply shop who they recommend is another place to look for leads.  Also, checking the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agencies and the local licensing boards to make sure the builders are currently licensed and don't have complaints against them is also important.

Once you have a few names to work with, schedule face to face meetings to get different bids. Multiple bids, at least three, is an important part of the process.  Ask for recommendations of past customers and then actually call them to find out their feedback.  When talking to them, ask them if they were happy with the final result, as well as their thoughts on the builder's strengths and weaknesses.  Was their project completed on time and within budget?  If possible, try to visit a current job site.

Other questions to ask are:

• Do they do projects your size?
• How many job sites are they on at the same time?
• How long have they worked with their subcontractors?
• Are they licensed?  Insured?  Have workman’s comp?

When picking the right contractor, the lowest bid is not always the best bet.  The higher bids may be using better quality material, while some low bidders are cutting corners and delivering an inferior end product.

Warning signs include:

• A contractor that wants payment in cash only - this could mean they are shirking paying their taxes- what else are they shirking?
• Old & poorly maintained work vehicles
• No cell phone number- you want to make sure you have access
• Doesn't want to get permits, or wants the homeowner to apply for the permits
• Door to door solicitations-you don't know who they are or how to keep them accountable once they leave
• If they seem sleezy or just make you feel uncomfortable-just say "NO"-follow your gut instinct-you'll be trusting them inside your home.

Finally, a written contract is also important.  This should spell out the details of the job.  These details should include the proposed start and end dates, specific materials to be used, and a set payment schedule.  Homeowners want to make sure they don't pay for a job all at once.  A beginning fee of 10% of the total job to start is a good standard, with payments being made over the course of the job. 

The final payment should not be made until the last of the job is complete and the homeowner is satisfied with the outcome.  And remember...if you make changes while the job is in process expect an increase in the price.

-Walt and Ali