If you’re looking for a remodeling contractor, ask friends and family who have had work done and how happy they were with the results. Narrow the list to a few candidates, and have them give you written bids on your project.
An honest remodeling professional will provide an itemized bid with a dollar-by-dollar breakdown of labor, materials, and profit margins.
Ask for Recommendations
Word of mouth is a great way to find home remodeling contractors Wentzville, MO. Ask family members, friends, and neighbors who have recently had renovations done about their experience. You can also contact your local chapter of the National Association of Remodeling Industry for a list of member contractors in your area. You can also check with your city’s building inspector, who may know which remodeling companies regularly pass inspections. Asking prospective contractors about their years of experience and the type of projects they’ve worked on will help you gauge their ability to work on your project. It would be best to consider whether they have multiple ongoing jobs, as this could affect their ability to stick to your timeline and budget.
Do Your Research
It’s essential to do your research when selecting a contractor. If your friends and family don’t have any recommendations, check online for testimonials and reviews. It’s also a good idea to review their portfolio and verify that they possess a license in your state. Be sure to look for images that show before and after photos of projects, as well as blueprints and sketches of the work they have done. Also, look for a clear and concise website with information about their company, services offered, and contact information. Home remodelers work in your home every day for weeks, so you want to be comfortable with them being there. If you have any reservations about their personalities or work, it’s best to keep looking for a pro that is a better match for your project.
Get a Written Bid
As you interview contractors, ask them to submit written bids. Three is usually the magic number, as it allows you to get at least one contractor close to your budget and two that are outliers (either alarmingly low or high).
Be sure to include all hard costs and soft costs in your comparisons. If you notice an omission, you can contact the contractor to clarify the exclusions and why. You should also ask for a copy of their license and insurance policy and verify that they are correctly licensed to operate in your state. Remember, working with an unlicensed contractor could make you responsible for defective work or injuries on the job site. The contractor should be able to provide proof that they carry workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.
Schedule a Meeting with the Contractor
It’s essential to interview contractors thoroughly before you hire one. You’ll be sharing a home with this person for as long as the project lasts, so choose someone you’re comfortable working with from the start. Ask potential contractors for a portfolio of their previous projects. A good portfolio will include photos of each space before the remodel, during, and after the renovations. Look for a contractor who takes pride in their work and shows it through their attention to detail. Finding out if their work passes inspections is a crucial indicator of their quality. This information can be obtained from a building inspector or websites listing the results of construction reviews. It’s also a good idea to check online to see how often a contractor has been sued.
Meet with Your Insurance Agent
When hiring a contractor, you’ll likely want to ensure the person or company will have adequate workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. Asking to see a certificate of insurance (COI) from their commercial agent allows you to verify their coverage requirements and prove they’re bonded. Choosing a home remodeling contractor should be taken seriously and not rushed. A good contractor may be in high demand, and you may have to wait a few weeks or months for their schedule to open up. However, the time spent waiting is well worth the effort when working with a reliable, experienced home remodeler. A good contractor can complete your project on time and within budget.
