Home renovations are a big deal. You don’t want to find yourself stuck in an unmanageable situation. It is important that you take the time to find the right contractor for the job. A typical home renovation costs anywhere from $18,000-79,000 or more, depending on what materials you choose and the complexity of the project. (1) Furthermore, this number can have a much greater range, depending on the project’s scope. The point is that a home renovation project isn’t pocket change. It is quite a significant investment that shouldn’t be carried out by someone that doesn’t know what they are doing. That’s why homeowners turn to professionals to get their homes renovated. They don’t want the burden of doing it themselves but also want to ensure it is done right.
But how do you go about hiring a contractor in 2023? How do you know who to trust? Are there certain things you should consider? Let’s take a closer look at things you can do to protect yourself from unlicensed and unqualified contractors.
You have probably heard of general contractors, which are those that can do just about anything. What they cannot do, they sub-lease out to another qualified professional. These contractors are perfect for large projects that will need managing, such as kitchen and bathroom remodels. They will handle everything from the plans to the execution of the project and provide you with a timeline. However, not everyone needs a general contractor. This is why it is so important to first decide what the project will be. Are you looking for a kitchen upgrade, or are you looking for a new roof?
Roofing contractors do nothing but fix, repair, and install roofs. If you think you need a new roof, you should certainly seek out a roofing contractor that is qualified to help. They specialize in just roofing. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a general contractor cannot fall under that same scope.
General contractors typically have areas of expertise in which they excel in. Some will excel in roofing, concrete work, and kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Others would prefer to work in carpentry or flooring, for example.
This is why the first thing you need to do is determine what you are looking for a contractor for. Then, take your time to ask friends and family, look around online or ask in social media groups for options. It is important that you keep an open mind and have more than one contractor look at your upcoming project. This will ensure that you get different perspectives but also gives you a chance to do a mini-interview.
When you have more than one contractor bidding on your job, you have a chance to have first-hand experience with them. This will allow you to look into their eyes and meet them. This is an experience that you cannot get over the phone or through an online contact form. You want to go with a contractor you feel comfortable with; after all, they will be in your home for several days to a few weeks. You don’t want someone you cannot get along with or don’t feel comfortable approaching.
Once you have a contractor or a few contractors that have made bids, you can then take a minute to go over them. Most contractors will give you a proposal that they will explain. Be sure to listen to what they say and ask questions when needed. During the quoting process, this is the time to speak up should you want a certain brand utilized in your project. Or maybe you have a vision that you want to achieve. Be as specific as possible with the contractors so that you will get the most accurate quote possible.
Typically after you have found a few contractors that you were comfortable with and called out for quotes, you’ll have one or more that simply didn’t fit the bill. This could be because you didn’t feel comfortable with them, or maybe they came unprepared or for whatever reason. But you should still have at least a couple you are comparing. This will allow you to see how organized the company is and if they are a good fit for you and your home.
When comparing quotes, be sure that you are comparing apples to apples. It is not right to try to compare one quote to another if one is using much higher quality materials than the other. So, take your time to understand the quality of materials, warranty, and other things when making comparisons.
Furthermore, it isn’t always best to go with the most inexpensive quote. The goal for having more than one contractor bid is so you can see the different ideas and get to know them a little bit before trusting them with your renovation project. During this time, please pay attention to how prompt they are at answering your questions. Did they arrive on time for your appointment? Find out how they plan to communicate your project and its timeline to you. Some projects are very large and will need a project manager in order to ensure everything is done as it should be. Find out how they plan to manage the project.
When it comes to hiring a contractor in 2023, it is buyer beware. (2) There are many construction companies out there that claim to be professionals. However, it is up to your due diligence to ensure that you are, in fact, hiring a professional. Another thing you can do is take the time to look up what others have to say about them online. There are many places where others can leave reviews, and be sure to look at their social media. Furthermore, you should also ask for references and check on their license and insurance information. You don’t want to take their word for it.
Exceptional Exteriors and Renovations are happy to help you with your next upcoming home renovations. We are a licensed, insured construction company that offers our clients a wide range of services. Our teams of professionals are qualified to help you with your roofing situation to, your kitchen and bathroom remodel, and more. If you are looking for a trustworthy construction company to help you with your next project, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Finding the right contractor for your next home project is never easy. Exceptional Exteriors and Renovations is here to change that with quality work, exceptional customer service and efficient work that fits your busy schedule!