If you’ve watched HGTV shows or renovated your own home, you’ve probably heard the term “contractor” tossed around. A house remodeling contractor is a design or construction professional you contract to perform work in your home. There are several different kinds of contractors, including general contractors, specialty subcontractors and kitchen and bathroom designers. You’ll want to select a licensed, reputable professional who is familiar with your home’s type and scope of work.
The best way to find a contractor is to ask for referrals from relatives, friends and neighbors who’ve had work done recently. They’ll be able to tell you whether their experience was positive or not and provide you with names and contact information. Then, when you call the referrals, ask a few questions about the contractor’s project. Find out about the timeline, budget, quality of the work and how easy they were to work with.
Another way to find a contractor is by searching online for reviews and recommendations. Some websites allow you to select the type of project you’re planning and then list recommended contractors. Others let you browse reviews, ratings and photos of projects completed by other homeowners. These sites can be a good starting point, but it’s important to follow up with the individual contractors who’ve received high marks and make sure their licenses are up-to-date.
You should also ask potential contractors for a portfolio of past work. Ideally, the portfolio should contain pictures of several projects and include before-and-after shots. It should be clear whether the projects were remodels of existing homes or new construction.
Once you’ve narrowed down your prospects, interview candidates in person. This is an opportunity for you to assess your comfort level working with the contractor, and for the candidate to assess your home and your project goals. You’ll be spending weeks or months in close contact with this person, so it’s vital that you choose someone whose company culture and work style mesh well with your own.
It’s also a chance to check key credentials, such as the contractor’s licenses and insurance coverage. If a contractor isn’t licensed, or isn’t insured and bonded, you should consider hiring someone else.
Another thing to look for is a detailed, written proposal that covers everything from payment terms and deadlines to who will do the work and warranties. Checkbook’s undercover shoppers found a wide range of pricing for similar remodeling projects, so be sure to get several fixed-price bids.
It’s also a good idea to discuss how the contractor will protect your belongings during construction and what their cleanup policy is. You don’t want to find out after the fact that your family heirlooms were damaged by dust or construction debris. Many contractors recommend putting personal belongings into storage during the renovation. Others will suggest covering furniture with plastic sheeting and placing protective floor coverings in the areas to be worked on.