If you’ve ever been in the process of hiring a contractor for a large home remodeling project, you know how important it is to choose one with the right experience and skills. You also need to ensure that you have the best possible relationship with the person you hire, so that they can work effectively with you and your home.
What to Look For in a Remodeling Contractor
Before you hire a remodeling contractor, make sure that they have the proper licenses and insurance to perform work in your area. Then, do a little research to find out whether they have any complaints filed against them with your local Better Business Bureau and online review sites.
Be aware that some contractors will take your money and disappear, so you need to get proof of their credentials. This includes their licensing, insurance and their status with home construction and renovation trade organizations and publications such as GuildQuality or Qualified Remodeler Magazine.
Check references and current clients
Before hiring a contractor, ask for three to five references and don’t be afraid to contact them. These can include homeowners who have a similar remodel in progress or those who have completed a project and are happy with the results.
These customers can tell you about any problems they experienced with the contractor and how the contractor resolved them. They can even offer tips on avoiding issues with the contractor in the future.
What to Do After Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
Once you’ve chosen the contractor that you’re going to hire, it’s time to start negotiating your contract and pricing with them. This is an opportunity to make sure you’re on the same page with them about all aspects of the project, including your budget and the schedule for the project.
Having a set schedule for the project is key to making it happen. You may want to set up a payment plan with the contractor that you can use to pay for parts of the project as they’re completed, rather than paying a lump sum for the entire job.
You should also ask the contractor if they can provide you with a written quote and site plan for your project. These should clearly state the cost of the project, a timeline for completion and all the terms and conditions of your agreement with the contractor, including payment schedules.
The contractor should be able to explain their process for completing a project and what types of permits will be required. They should also be able to give you details about the work they plan to do, like wiring and plumbing.
Be sure to ask about their insurance coverage, including liability, and how much of it they’ll need for your project. This is important because a contractor without insurance can be sued by a homeowner who was injured in an accident caused by their work.
Another important thing to consider is whether they’re subcontracting to other pros. This is common for larger projects, such as major kitchen remodels or additions. It’s a good idea to ask the contractor if they have a list of their favorite and most trustworthy subcontractors.