How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the correct remodeling contractor can be one of the most important decisions that you will ever make as a home owner. You will want to be able to make an informed decision. A home remodel can be a dream come true or it can turn into a nightmare that becomes a money pit with the wrong contractor.

Here are several tips to consider when choosing a remodeling contractor.

1) Hire only licensed and bonded contractors. This is very important. Do not try to save a few bucks by hiring someone who is not licensed and bonded. Remember that a contractor must be bonded so you are not responsible if he or someone that works for him becomes hurt on your property. Also make sure that the contractor carries current workman's comp insurance on his employees

2) Make a list of contractors that you are interested in hiring and then contact the Contractors Board to check their credentials and see if there have been any complaints filed against them.

3) I strongly suggest also checking with your local Better Business Bureau because a lot of people do not think about lodging a complaint with the Contractors Board but they will file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

4) Always demand a list of references and then actually make the phone calls to check the references that you are given. Many contractors smile and will try to make you feel like you can trust them so you do not check the references that they give. Many people think that if the contractor readily gives you a list of references then the references must be good but this is not always the case. So make the phone calls and check the references.

5) Check out the contractors quality of work. Ask past home owners that he worked with if they were happy with everything.

6) Always talk to several contractors and get various bids. Do not settle for just one no matter how good the references look because someone else with excellent references might be able to do the job for less but still offer the same quality of work.

7) Make sure that you are familiar with any sub contractors that the contractor plans on working with. Check their references as well. Do not let your contractor cut corners by hiring an inferior sub contractor.

8) Consider doing a credit and background check on your contractor to make sure he is not too far in debt. You do not want to hire a contractor who is not paying his bills to his suppliers because your remodel job might end up delayed if the contractor cannot get supplies due to outstanding debts that he has not paid off.

9) Always have a written contract. Be sure to completely read the contract and understand all of the fine print.

10) Always make sure that the contractor will be getting all of the required building permits himself. If a contractor ever asks you to get building permits then do not hesitate to find another contractor.

11) Be sure to find out how many jobs the contractor works simultaneously so you will be able to make sure he is not working too many jobs at once. If the contractor is overextending himself then it might take him longer then you first thought or the quality of work might not be the best because he is rushed doing too much at once.

12) Be sure you know the address of the contractors office and that you have at least two phone numbers to reach him on. You do not want to hire a contractor that cannot provide you with this information.

These twelve ideas will help anyone hire a remodel contractor. However, the most important advice that I can give you is to follow your own instincts. How do you feel about the man himself? Normally a persons first impression of someone is the correct one so pay close attention.

Sources:

http://www.contractorsfromhell.com/