You can consider your home as one of your most valuable assets. Therefore, it needs to be maintained or upgraded if it is necessary. Remodeling a home project will also mean that you have to select the right contractor to have the desired outcome. Selecting for a good contractor is very crucial for your project because if something goes wrong, then that would be added to your cost. Which in fact we do not want to happen. Remodeling contractors are not the same in terms of their knowledge, experience, skills, and work attitude. Sometimes, hiring a contractor can be intimidating or confusing since there are many stories about homeowners having wrongful experiences during their remodeling projects. So, the thing is, what are the things you need to know and consider before hiring a remodeling contractor?
A successful remodeling project
Each one of us has our own definition or criteria when it comes to successful outcome. In general, one of the most important things to consider for a successful project is that all of your expectations have been met - from the simplest things like paint color or wallpaper design to the more complex ones like plumbing and structural works. Of course, not only the physical appearance of the house but the totality of the project. From the planning stage, doing the project, until the project has been completed. Include with that the fair price for the value that you have received and the added value to your home and your life.
The hired remodeling contractor is the one person who has contributed a lot to the project. This means that if you are truly satisfied with the outcome, then it is more likely that you will use the contractor’s services again. Better yet, you will be able to refer the remodeling contractor to your friends and colleagues, which is what contractors want.
Choosing the right remodeling contractor
Hiring the appropriate contractor actually depends on the scope of the project. There are basically different types of contractor, such as general contractor, specialty contractor, architect, or designer. Each of them has their own set of knowledge and skills about home improvement projects. Therefore, planning is one of the key elements for you to have a successful home improvement project.
Here are the things that you need to do first before hiring a remodeling contractor:
• Know what you need and want – this goes for the remodeling project and the people who need to be involved with the project such as the contractor, handyman, carpenter, and others. For the project, you need to be clear of what you want to be the outcome that will be realistic to the budget that you have. For the contractor, you need someone who you can work with comfortably and who can provide you good quality project result that is relative to the budget.
• Interview different contractors – ask first your friends for referrals for they may have worked with contractors as well. If you were able to find three or four contractors, you may want to interview them to know the extent of their experience in doing your remodeling project. You may want to consider the following traits in a contractor: promptness, trustworthiness, professional memberships, certifications, previous projects and clients, referrals and/or repeat clients. While interviewing them, better be aware of how confident and honest they answer your questions. You need a contractor whom you find comfortable to be working with and someone who is capable of completing the work.
• Ask for quotes – the quote should include the cost of materials, number of personnel needed, and labor cost. Remember that the lowest cost does not mean that it will always be the right choice. Research on the range of cost for your project.
• Have a contract – once you have chosen the right contractor for your remodeling project, make sure to put everything in a legally binding contract. The contract should include schedule of payment, duration of the project, professional fees, and the process of the entire project. The good thing about contract is that you will have the edge if something bad happens to the project. It is a written document for your protection as well as the contractor’s.
• Be flexible – expect that there will be some unforeseen circumstances that may affect the remodeling project. For example, weather, availability of materials, and others. As the homeowner, you should be flexible with these factors as these may cause delays or additional costs. Of course, it would be better if these things would be prevented by being 5 steps ahead.