How to Choose a Remodeler
“I hired a guy to install my kitchen. After I gave him the money for materials, I never saw him again.”
Or, “I hired a remodeler to finish my basement. After I paid him the last draw, he never came back to finish. I was left with a half-finished basement full of potato chip bags and beer cans.”
These stories often cause a feeling of apprehension in people who are faced with hiring a remodeler. For this reason, I am offering a few steps to finding the “right” remodeler.
1. Check Craigslist. Craigslist.com is a website that offers free classified listings. It offers categories such as “skilled trade” and “household services” where usually small-time skilled tradespeople place their business ads.
The reason for this advice is the fact that small-time operations often carry less financial burden. For example, my remodeler, Vasari LLC (http://www.vasarillc.com), is a one-man show. He doesn’t have to pay for things like a secretary or workers’ compensation. This reflects in the price that I pay for his services.
2. Use local companies. Finding a company that is located relatively close to the your location. Remodelers often include the cost of gas in your project labor cost, so the closer they are to your location, the less you pay in gas.
3. Make sure that you do a little background checking. Ask for references. See if the company is a registered business in the state it does business in. Chances are, if it invested the money to become a registered business, it probably isn’t out to take your money and run.
4. Get more than one estimate. This is for you own personal satisfaction. If you get a broad range of prices, you’ll probably feel better about the one that you ultimately choose.
5. Beware of any company that says they’ll “beat anyone’s estimate by 25%”. This is a HUGE red flag. This claim is most often followed up with statement, “This is going to cost a little more than we originally estimated. Do you think we can get another draw?” Cheaper is not always better.
Finally, always remember: never hire someone who has greasy hair and works out of a Ford Escort. I know it sounds like a stereotype, but it’s true. If you can’t carry the right tools for the job, then you can’t do the job right. Plus, if you have greasy hair, it says something about your attention to detail.
If you follow all of these procedures, you are almost sure to find the right person for the job. I wish you success on your home improvement venture!
