How to Hire a Qualified Remodeling Contractor
Hiring a general contractor for residential remodeling projects can be quite intimidating. After all, at times it may seem like there are just as many choices out there as there are bad news stories about contractors who have taken contractors into their business. The real question is, how do you sort through everything to get the right fit for your remodel? Here are some tips that can help you make the right decision when hiring a contractor.
First, you should always look for a contractor who has experience. When you see a website or ad for a contractor, make sure that it lists multiple years of experience and not just the current year. While this may be a bit of an exaggeration, it’s not hard to imagine a young contractor with only a few years under his belt showing up with a project for your apartment complex. The best professionals have been doing this type of work for years and have established good customer relations and a high level of expertise.
Next, make sure that you are looking at the total price of the remodeling versus the amount of work that will be done. Many people try to get the cheapest contractor possible just because it’s on a website. While this is a convenient place to look, the total price should be compared to similar jobs done by remodeling professionals with experience. Do not sacrifice quality just to save a few dollars. You can end up spending more money in the long run by hiring someone who will rip you off.
Also, consider the time lines that are associated with a remodeling project. There are different time frames for different types of work. If you have specific dates in mind, try to find out if the contractor has them already lined up and ready to go. This can help you avoid delays and possible problems down the road.
Finally, ask for references from past customers. If they were happy with the work that was done, ask them why they would recommend them to you. If they weren’t satisfied, at least you can avoid them in the future. When hiring a remodeling contractor, you are putting a lot of trust in them to not only complete the job, but to do it properly and professionally. If you don’t know what to look for or how to judge the work, you could end up making a costly mistake.
So, these are some tips to keep in mind when hiring a remodeling contractor. Be clear about your expectations and make sure that you clearly defined the scope of the work that will be done. Look at the price as a starting point and not a finishing price. Hire someone that has a very good reputation. Most importantly, don’t take shortcuts and don’t let yourself become the victim.