Finding the right remodeling contractor on whom you can rely and trust for your home’s remodeling and maintenance projects may appear to be a daunting task. The task may even appear to be overwhelming. After all, you’re entrusting one of your most valuable and valuable assets to a stranger. However, you can take some simple steps to eliminate much of the uncertainty. Select the best home addition contractor im houston texas.
One of the best ways to find a dependable remodeling contractor is to ask friends and family who have previously worked with remodelers. They can tell you a lot about how the project went and how they felt about the remodeling contractor who finished it.
Another way to find quality home improvement professionals is to look for members of industry organizations such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry or the National Kitchen and Bath Association. These organizations have higher expectations of their members. This method is much better than looking up a name in the phone book. Remember that large ads in the yellow pages imply a sizable monthly advertising budget. Those big ads don’t always lead to a good remodeling contractor (or categorize a poor one).
Many remodeling contractors specialize in specific types of projects. Therefore, a contractor may be unable to complete your project but may be able to refer you to another reputable company that can. A good quality remodeling contractor is putting their reputation on the line when making a referral and will most likely refer you to a company similar to theirs.
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential remodeling contractors, contact them to schedule an appointment. If you have to leave a message, keep track of how long the contractor will return your call. A company that does not return your call now is untrustworthy in the long run. If interviewing multiple contractors, space them out, so they don’t overlap. A remodeling contractor will require your undivided attention and time to provide you with an accurate estimate.
When you first meet the contractor, pay attention to their people skills. Are they pleasant, well-dressed, and, most importantly, well-prepared? The contractor should be able to provide you with the basics of doing business with their company, such as a contractor’s license, a business license, insurance information, references, and photos of previous projects completed by their company. Membership in organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, and the local Chamber of Commerce, to name a few, demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to the community and the industry.
Prepare to go over your proposed project in great detail. Written notes, simple drawings, and pictures from magazines and books can help the contractor understand your project vision. Take note of how the contractor acts in this situation. If they dominate the conversation by talking about their company’s previous projects, they may ignore what they want. A thorough understanding of the project will be gained by asking thoughtful, probing questions to understand your vision better. Any remodeling contractor must be able to listen actively.
Research the time between your meeting and the contractor’s response with an estimate. Check with your state’s licensing board, the contractor board in your city or county, and the Better Business Bureau, and follow up with references. If possible, you may even request to see some projects.
The remodeling contractor should provide a written estimate. The forecast should specify the work to be done and the materials to be used. A detailed written estimate eliminates the possibility of future misunderstandings.
Here are a couple of caveats regarding the estimate. First, be wary if the remodeling contractor gives you an exact price on a relatively large project at the first meeting. The assessment may not include all of the project details, and you may discover that you are paying for “extra work” after the project has begun. Similarly, if the contractor provides you with an estimate very quickly, it could indicate that they do not fully comprehend the project’s scope. Finally, a high estimate could suggest that the contractor is in high demand and that you must pay a premium to use their services.
Be wary of remodeling contractors who claim to be able to “start tomorrow.” This indicates that they are out of work and possibly desperate. Most jobs will require at least a few days to gather materials and plan the job, with more active jobs or jobs requiring unique order materials taking longer.
After you’ve completed your research, it’s time to decide. First, sit down with all the decision-makers and review each remodeling contractor’s pros and cons. Then, find a contractor who is a good fit for both you and your project. You should be able to find your answer reasonably quickly.
Finding a good remodeling contractor will take time, patience, and effort, but it will be worthwhile. A good remodeling contractor will assist you in improving your most valuable asset – your home.
Read also: Restoring Interior Pocket Doors
