How to Choose a Remodel Contractor
Remodeling your home is one of the best ways to achieve a number of goals. You can add considerable value to your home if you’re considering selling it down the road. However, you can also add more enjoyment to your current home by expanding it. Whether you’re contemplating an addition or looking at a kitchen remodel or a bathroom remodel, you’ll need the help of an experienced remodel contractor. How do you ensure that you choose the right professional?
It all begins with research. You can’t afford to hire a remodel contractor blindly, so be prepared to do a little digging. First, start building a list of contractors in your area capable of offering a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel project (or whatever other project you need). Look for recommendations from family and friends, but also check the Internet and even the phonebook. Once you have an initial list built, you will need to start your research.
There are several factors about each contractor that you’ll need to consider. For instance, you will certainly want to find out how long they have been in business. While there’s nothing technically “wrong” with hiring a remodel contractor who has only been operating in the area for a short time, contractors with a lengthy history have the track record to prove they’re doing something right.
You also need to take a look at customer testimonials. These are valuable tools that can provide you with considerable insight into what you can expect from the remodel contractor in terms of craftsmanship, adherence to budget and time to completion. Based on the results of your research, begin narrowing down your list of potential contractors until you have only a handful left. These will all require an interview before you make your final hiring decision (and make sure you get a free estimate on the cost from each contractor during the interview).