Choosing the right contractor will save you time money and help you avoid problems.
Choosing the right contractor is a decision that should be well thought out and researched carefully. The value of your home is exceptionally important to your financial stability and choosing the wrong contractor can put that in jeopardy. Here are some key components to consider before hiring a contractor to best safeguard the tremendous investment that your house is.
Experience
An expert contractor will have a specific experience level that will help insure your home renovation project turns out the way you intended. With the convenience that the internet has provided, finding out a potential contractors experience, and taking a look at examples of work completed has never been so accessible. In addition to taking a virtual tour of a potential contractors portfolio you should also ask around. There is still no advertising tool as effective as word of mouth. Speaking to someone who has recently had a home renovation project completed is a great way to find the right contractor. Along with experience any expert contractor should be licensed and have credentials in whatever your home renovation project calls for.
When you hire a contractor you do not just hire the individual contractor but also their team of sub-contractors and employees. An expert contractor will have a dedicated, passionate team of credited and licensed professionals. This is an important factor because while all of your home renovation is important, some is vital and should only be handled by professionals. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are not only important, but if not handled in the correct manner, can be dangerous.
Schedule/Budget
The right contractor will stay on schedule and budget. When you hire a contractor your giving up a lot of control to that contractor. So, finding one that is dedicated to sticking to a set schedule and budget is imperative. This is easier said then done, but there are some ways that a potential contractor indicates his/her commitment to staying on schedule and budget. First, by not only providing you with a detailed schedule and budget but also by carefully walking you through the budget and schedule. The breakdown of the schedule and budget needs to not only be in writing but also needs to be discussed so you are as informed as possible.
Unforeseen changes in schedule and budget may present themselves. If unforeseen changes occur it is crucial your contractor has your signature permitting these unforeseen changes before the work is begun. An expert contractor will break down all costs, and have you sign off on any changes that may occur.
Trust
You need to be able to trust your contractor, and at the foundation of trust is communication and comfort. As we discussed you need to be able communicate and have an understanding of schedule and budget, but you also need to be able to have a certain level of comfort with your contractor. The contractor of your home renovation is your point person. You need to be able to be comfortable voicing your concerns and ideas, and knowing they are being heard.
An expert contractor will give you access to their skill and design ideas, but also listen and be able to incorporate your ideas. After all it is your home, and an expert contractor will not only understand that, but also respect this fact. This respect can be seen by ways of always cleaning up at the end of the day, placing tarps where necessary, and never tracking dirt or debris through your home. A true professional respects the fact that it is hard to live in a home that is under construction and will go out of their way to make this transitional period as easy as possible.
By following these tips on how to find the right contractor you will save you time, potential problems, and help to ensure your home improvement project is handled by a professional.
