Home remodeling and renovation projects are an uphill task. At the center of it all usually stands the contractor. The type of contractor that you trust to undertake your projects dictates whether it will a job well done or an absolute disaster. That is why you need to ensure that you get the best contractor to carry out the intended work. You may wonder how to make it happen.
If you’re wondering, “how can I find a residential general contractors near me?” or “will they do a job as great as my neighbor’s?” Well, the best way to ease your worries and find answers is to do adequate research on what entails a good renovation job; thus, what you will get from a great contractor. Here are some tips that will assist you in figuring out who the best man for the job is.
Contractor and engineer shaking hands over blueprint of building
1. Come up with an estimate
Finding a reliable and efficient contractor for your renovations may prove to be harder than the actual job. Retiling your bathroom or even installing different windows in your living room are much easier as compared to the hassle of getting a great contractor. You need one who will do a great job from the beginning until the end if you desire great results. You don’t want to be the person whose contractor tore a whole wall and disappeared. Neither do you want to be the person who was charged triple the original estimated cost.
Therefore, it’s advisable that you read the reviews of these contractors. Nowadays, it’s an easy task, as this information will be available online. If the person has been doing their work well, their reputation will precede them. Hiring such a contractor’s services will ensure that you get a job that is well done, at reasonable rates.
2. Know what you want
It’s advisable that you do this before getting an estimated value of what the renovation will cost. You need to have ideas on what you desire as well as a plan before you go ahead and consult a contractor. This is because you will get an estimate that is more accurate if you know the specific details. Also, it will be much better if you know the exact kind and quality of materials that you want the job to be done with.
3. Consult your relatives, co-workers, and friends
These are the best people to talk to when you’re looking for references. The people in your neighborhood and those who are around you and have undertaken similar projects are the best people to source information from. If you know people who are in the building industry, you can also consult them. People working at the hardware stores in your locality may be good sources of referrals as well.
4. Interview about three contractors or more
You should ask these contractors many questions, as well as asking for a written bid from each of them. When you compare their bids, ensure that they have all included the same material you want to be used and the same tasks that you desire to be undertaken. This way, the competition is fair, as you will be comparing the same services. Do this even if you already have a contractor in mind because it will be a learning experience for you.
Each of the contractors has something to offer. Therefore, don’t shy away from learning something new from each of them. Do not fear to negotiate. While you might haggle with the contractors during the interview, be ready to do the most of the negotiation after you have gotten the bid. You can also negotiate before signing the contract.
5. Expect delays
Be ready to hear that your contractor will be too busy to start on your project right away. The best contractors are usually almost fully booked. Therefore, give your contractor the time to finish their unfinished projects before they move on to yours.
6. Check litigation history, complaints and licenses
A good contractor should be licensed according to the law provisions for your state and your municipality. Check with the relevant authorities to ensure that they don’t have any pending issues with the law. Ask your contractor to give you a copy of his license, along with the licenses of the major subcontractors they will be working with.
A project is a serious commitment. You need to invest your time, money, and energy into it. If you follow these tips, finding the right residential contractor to bring your dream project to fruition will be an easy task.
