Do Your Research
In order to increase your options for finding a great contractor, it is important that you do your research in as many areas as you can. You should look online, ask friends, and talk to coworkers to see if you can find someone who comes with great recommendation. The more options you have, the better chances there are that you will find someone that you really connect with and feel comfortable remodeling your home. If the recommendation comes from someone you know, be sure to ask for pictures of the remodel that was done so you can get an idea of the type of workmanship they provide. Also during this process, see if you can specifically find any negative comments about the contractor, as that will give you an idea into their overall performance.
Interview Each Candidate
After you have done your research and feel comfortable with a handful of candidates, ask to interview each of them for their potential bids. At this point, you can talk to them about their previous jobs. If you found any negative comments, as mentioned in the last section, use this time to ask for their opinion on the situation or a clearer explanation. Also, be sure that you ask hard questions and don’t let them skirt around the answers. If they try and avoid too many questions, there may be something of concern to consider. A good contractor won’t hide anything from you when you are interviewing them for their bid.
Ask For Referrals
If the interview goes well and you want to move on with a potential candidate, ask them for more referrals. If the contractor comes to you from someone you already know, ask for referrals outside of that friendship network. It is important to get a wide variety of input so you get a good idea of what they will truly offer with their finished product.
Look At Credentials and Certifications
Lastly, be sure that you check to make sure this contractor is legal to work and has all of the proper credentials and certifications needed. In some states, this includes insurance or liability coverage. In some states, it doesn’t. Be sure you know what is needed for your home remodeling project and that the contractor has everything prepared to begin working.
If you feel comfortable after all of these steps, it’s typically a safe bet to move forward and hire the contractor. Then you just have to sit back and wait for them to remodel your home in a way that you will love and be happy that you did.
Image by mccun934 and licensed through Creative Commons.
