When you are considering starting a home remodel or renovation, you obviously want it done right. There are so many people and companies out there offering services, but some of them may cut corners or do low quality work. If you are not familiar with the industry, it can be difficult to know which contractor to choose. That is why we have put together this list of tips that can help you find the right general contractor for your project.
Be Prepared – Before you begin calling around for contractors, make sure that you are prepared. You should have a very good idea of what exactly you are looking to do before you go googling “contractors near me” and calling all of them. It can be difficult for contractors to place a bid or give a timeline when you are uncertain of exactly what you want to do. Also, make sure to write down any questions you may have so that you do not forget them when on the phone.
Look Through Their Portfolio – In many cases, a contractor will have a portfolio of past jobs on their website. It is a good idea to look through these to see if the quality of work is ideal.
Ask Them If They Have Completed Similar Jobs – When talking to the contractor, ask if they have completed jobs similar to your project. This shows whether they have experience in that area and you will be able to see photos of these similar projects.
Project Estimate – Be sure to get an estimate for the project that you are looking to do. The contractor will have to come look at the job to give a more accurate bid.
Ensure Licensure – Always check to be sure that the contractor you choose is properly licensed to work in your area. Some may consider hiring a handyman to complete various projects in their home, but many of these individuals are not properly licensed and insured. This means that if something goes wrong, you do not have near as much recourse you can take to correct the issue.
Ask for References – If you are concerned about picking the right contractor, then be sure to ask for references. This gives you sources that you can contact to verify the quality of completed projects.
Timeline – This is an important one. You need to know what your ideal timeline for start and completion is, so that you can see if this aligns with the contractor’s. Some contractors are very busy and have a long pipeline of projects, meaning that they will not be able to start yours for quite some time.
Check Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor – Be sure to check various reviews online to see if people are satisfied with the contractor’s work. Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor offer reviews from verified members that can give a general idea of the quality of a contractor’s work.
Time in Business – While it is not necessarily a guarantee, how long a business has been around can be a telling factor. Contractors with a long history of satisfied customers are typically doing something right. So, ask how long the company has been around and for proof of this, as some will claim they have been around longer than they actually have.
Be Diligent – Be thorough when scoping out a contractor. It is not always the best idea to go with the first one that you come across. In addition, do not be afraid to ask many of the above questions. Taking the time to ask these kinds of questions can save you money and hassle in the long run.
Eakman Construction Can Help
If you are looking for a contractor that fits the above points, check us out here at Eakman Construction. We have completed many projects over the years that have resulted in satisfied customers. Whether you are looking to start a home remodel or build a new home, we can help you create your vision.