Home renovations can be long and painstaking. However, with the right contractor, many of the problems associated with home remodeling can be avoided. Here are a few tips on how to find the right contractor for the job.
- Consult with friends and family. The best way to start is to ask your friends and family about their own home remodeling experience. If there’s anyone you can trust to give you a straight answer it’s your relations. They’ll be able to steer you to those who manage to give good work.
- Credentials are important. Check out if the contractors you’re looking at are qualified to do the sort of work you want for your home. There are several national organizations like the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Homebuilders who can verify the membership of contractors with the experience to perform certain renovations or constructions.
- Talk with your potential candidates. It’s not enough to know about your contractor’s capabilities. A phone or face-to-face interview should be part of your vetting process. You’ll be working with this person for the entire project and you’ll need to decide if you feel comfortable with him and his team. You’ll have to decide also how comfortable you feel about the company’s rates and schedule.
- Get bids. You’ll have a short list of candidates by now. Show them your remodeling plans, ask them their rates and compare prices. This helps in planning your budget and making your final choice.
