Remodeling your home is exciting! Maybe you want a new kitchen, a bigger bathroom, or a fresh new look for your house. But before you start, you need to pick the right home remodeling contractor. This is the company that will do the work.
Choosing the wrong contractor can cause big problems. They might take too long, do a bad job, or charge too much money. But don’t worry! Here are five simple things to check before you hire someone.
Would you let someone cut your hair if they had never done it before? No way! The same rule applies to home remodeling. Before you hire a contractor, check their past work.
Ask how long they have been working.
Look at pictures of homes they have remodeled.
Make sure they have done projects like yours before.
If their work looks good, that’s a great sign! But if they don’t have pictures or experience, you may want to find someone else.
Before choosing a contractor, find out what other people say about them.
Look for reviews online on Google or Yelp.
Ask friends or family if they know a good contractor.
Ask the contractor for names of people they have worked for.
Call those people and ask:
Did they do a good job?
Did they finish on time?
Were they friendly and easy to talk to?
If many people say good things, the contractor is probably a good choice.
Would you get into a car with someone who doesn’t have a driver’s license? Of course not! A home remodeling contractor should also have a license. This means they are trained and allowed to do the work.
Insurance is also very important. What if someone gets hurt while working on your house? If the contractor has insurance, you won’t have to pay for it. Always ask to see their license and insurance before hiring them.
Never start a project without knowing how much it will cost. A good contractor will give you a written estimate. This should include:
The total cost
The materials they will use
The time it will take to finish
Be careful if a contractor gives you a very low price. They may use cheap materials or ask for more money later. Always get everything in writing so there are no surprises.
Good communication is very important. Before the contractor starts work, ask:
How often will you update me?
What happens if there is a delay?
Who should I call if I have questions?
If a contractor is hard to talk to or doesn’t answer your questions, that’s a red flag. Pick someone who listens to you and explains things clearly.
Choosing the right home remodeling contractor is very important. Make sure they have experience, good reviews, a license, and a clear price. Also, pick someone who is easy to talk to.
If you follow these five steps, your home remodel will go smoothly, and you will love the results!