How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor
Published: April 17, 2008
Who is the best company or person to hire for your remodeling and home improvement needs? This can be a difficult question as many projects require more than just a skilled tradesman, which in itself is more difficult to find that in years past.
Remodeling can involve writing correct project specifications, providing drawings and design options, revising the specifications for changes, and scheduling the different trades involved to minimize the amount of time your project will take. Strong communication, compatibility and trust between you and your contractor are very important.
The first decision is the type of contractor most suited for your project. A specialty contractor may be best for one specific project such as painting, vinyl replacement windows, siding, plumbing repairs or electrical repairs. If your project involves more than one or two trades, you may want to consider a handyman, a general contractor or a design/build contractor.
| The top FIVE things to do… 1. Ask for recommendations - from friends, local building suppliers and business associations such as the chamber of commerce or the home builders association. Is the contractor a member of local trade associations? Check references of past clients. 2. Make sure the contractoris state and locally licensed. Check their worker’s compensation insurance, and property damage and personal liability coverage to be sure you are protected from damage and injuries. 3. Visit contractor’s business location, if applicable. 4. How do they structure contracts? How much detail is put in writing? Is there a project schedule? How are payments made? What about their warranties? 5. Is one person assigned to lead the construction project from start to finish? How many subcontractors will be used? Who will be in charge of what? |
A handyman business typically handles projects that can be completed within a few hours or as long as a week. One person is able to do the different trades such as carpentry repairs, drywall repairs and painting to complete the project. This is suitable for small projects or when the home owners desire to do some of the work while leaving the more skilled work to the handyman.
A general contractor is suitable to handle different size projects that do not need professional design services. The can schedule and complete the work according to the plans provided to them. These projects can be basic additions, larger repair projects or projects that have been planned by an architect who is experienced in remodeling.
A design/build contractor is able to guide you through the entire project (from planning to construction completion) by providing both the design and construction services within one company. The design process starts with basic concepts and budgets, and then details are added until the plans are completed. Special materials are ordered and the construction phase starts soon afterwards. Due to one company handling the entire project, mistakes are minimized allowing the construction process to run smoothly. This can be very beneficial to the home owner who wants to explore different design options while keeping the project budget in mind, and who wants to get to know his contractor better before the construction work actually begins. This type of contractor works well for kitchen and bath remodeling, additions and who house remodels.
Once you decide on your type of contractor, plan to interview them to determine who will be suitable for you.
The most important question is for you to ask yourself, “Do I feel comfortable working with this person and do I trust this person working in my house?“
After all, well run remodeling projects often result in long term friendships.
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