Here are some tips for choosing a home remodeling contractor.
Renovations are a great way to refresh your living space and increase the value of your home. But remodeling projects can get expensive, especially if they require the skill of a general contractor.
When it comes to your biggest asset and largest investment (your home), investing in hiring a professional is crucial.
It’s important that you feel comfortable with the home remodeling contractor you choose to perform the work. You want to make sure they have the experience and expertise needed to do the job right. Plus, you want to be able to reach out if something goes wrong.
In this article, we’ll suggest some things to keep in mind as you select a home remodeling contractor, as well as some questions to ask to make sure you receive quality workmanship.
Whether you’re renovating after a recent disaster or you simply want a new look for your home, you want to get your project off to a good start.
If you’ll be paying for the remodel out of your own pocket, the first thing to do is set a budget.
It’s very easy to let a contractor talk you into a complete overhaul of your entire home. Take a step back and evaluate the way your living space looks and functions, then do some research to determine a realistic budget. This will help you narrow down contractors later.
Second, don’t sign a contract with the very first contractor you call. You’ll want to collect at least three quotes from remodeling companies so you can compare their prices, workmanship, and customer service.
Finally, make sure you get estimates in writing.
After you’ve narrowed down your list of home remodeling contractors, it’s time to start interviewing them.
This isn’t always easy since a lot of people don’t know what questions they should ask. After all, if you knew what it took to renovate your house, you would do it yourself!
While there are numerous contractors that specialize in remodeling and renovation, it’s vital that you choose one that will suit your needs. To help you get started, here’s a list of questions that will help you choose a premier home remodeling contractor.
Your general contractor’s specialties, skills, and strengths will have a huge effect on the outcome of your project. Whether it’s a room addition or kitchen renovation, you want to know they have previous experience building these types of projects from start to finish.
Ask to see some examples of past work that’s similar to the project you have in mind. If they haven’t had any experience renovating bathrooms, you might want to go with someone who has. It’s also a good idea to read reviews to see what their past clients had to say. You can also ask for references for some extra peace of mind.
If they offer additional services, this can give you a clue as to their level of expertise. For example, a disaster recovery company is used to cleaning up after fires, floods, mold, and other disasters. A simple kitchen or bath remodel will be a piece of cake.
Carrying the right licenses and insurance coverage is the bare minimum for any general contractor. But don’t take their word for it.
Look up the company (or owner) on your local state business department website to see what licenses they hold and always ask to see proof of insurance.
If you’re remodeling after a disaster, you’ll have to coordinate the renovations and the insurance payouts simultaneously. A general contractor who is comfortable coordinating his/her work around the insurance company’s schedule is always appreciated.
A quick word of advice: never sign an Assignment of Benefits form. These documents effectively take away your right to discuss your claim with your insurance company and hand that responsibility completely to the contractor.
Some home upgrades are simple enough that they can be completed without a building permit, such as painting and installing tile. But for projects that are addressing the structure of the home, you want to know whether a permit is necessary.
If so, ask whether you will have to pull the permits or if the contractor will take care of that for you. Nine times out of ten, you won’t have to pull the permit, but it’s best to know for sure so you can plan accordingly.
There is nothing inherently wrong with using subcontractors for at least some of the work. However, you want to make sure that your general contractor knows and trusts the team they are using.
If they do use subcontractors, ask how they vet them and whether they make them carry their own insurance. You don’t want to get caught by any surprises later on.
While no one ever wants to think about issues arising during a major renovation, it would be foolish not to expect them.
Ask how your home remodeling contractor handles those unexpected problems. What happens if you change your mind on a certain detail? What if something goes over budget?
The more experienced they are, the more answers they should have for you. If s/he doesn’t know what they would do in the event of a hiccup, that likely means they’ve never had (or solved) that problem before.
Even if you know exactly what you want the finished project to look like, it’s a good idea to ask the contractor for their opinion.
As a disaster recovery team (and home remodeling contractor!), we know exactly which materials will hold up over time and which will leave you at risk of disaster. This is the best way to get your money’s worth!
Home remodeling contractors can make or break your home renovation, so be sure to take these steps before signing on the dotted line.
And if you’re located in Central Florida, Axel Works is ready to provide you with quality work that leaves no stone unturned. In addition to being a certified general contractor, we are also licensed to perform mold remediation and we have been vetted and approved by leading insurance companies, so you can trust in our integrity!
From floor to roof and everything in between, Axel Works can transform your home! Call today to get started.
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