Tips for Choosing a Contractor to Renovate Your House
You need to actually check a contractor’s references. Just because they give you a list of references, doesn’t mean that they did a good job on them. Ask the contractor for references that pertain to the work that you want done on your house. When you call a reference, ask them not only if they are happy with the work, but also how long it took and whether they stayed on budget.
Choose a contractor that communicates well. You want a contractor that will let you know just how long you may be without water or how long the room may stay messy. Have them draw you a realistic schedule and stick to it. Ask them what types of permits and ordinances will be needed and how long it will take. You do not want to be set back because your contractor failed to get a permit or inspection. You also need to ask about the contractor’s insurance and worker’s compensation, what the payment schedule will be and how any changes and problems will be handled.
Before you choose a contractor make sure that you have specifics on what you want. Most contractors will bid on the scope of the work and if they do not have specifics then the estimate may be off. Let them know the exact windows that you want, or the exact paint or hardware that you want so that they can write a more specific estimate for the work.
Beware of low-ballers. If a contractor is giving you an estimate that is 30% or more below the others, it raises a red flag. Some things are too good to true. Many low-ballers will charge you an arm and a leg for the “unforeseen” cost that they may come across, which in turn may end up costing you more. Also, some low-ballers are scam artist. They will take you deposit and you will never see any work done by them. A way to avoid this is to contact the Better Business Bureau on any contractor that you want to work for you.
Once you have decided on a contractor, ask about the team that will be working on your house. Ask who the construction supervisor will be and ask for references for that person also.
A big name company does not always mean good service and work. Sometimes they big companies are worse than the small family companies. In big companies, you are just another name and another job.
