The decision to have your home remodeled is a pretty straight one to make. However, choosing the right contractor for the home remodel may not be as simple. Clients get bombarded with hundreds of results upon initiating a simple search on the internet. So how do you choose the right contractor from the hundreds of available firms? We have compiled for you a list of 5 critical questions that you should ask a potential contractor before commencing any repairs or remodeling works.
- How long have you been in the industry?
Practice makes perfect. It is within your right to want to know how long the contractor has been in the industry. Experience, just like in any other work scenario, contributes a lot to the quality of work. A contractor that has been in the industry for at least 10 years has most likely tried all the market trends and innovations in the construction field. Therefore, they are more likely to offer better services compared to younger firms/contractors. Although this is not an exact science, you are better off with a contractor that has more years under their belt.
- Are you licensed?
A home remodel costs money; your hard earned money. So you want to be served by a firm that is legally qualified to offer such services. Most contractors are regulated by the state government. For instance, contractors in California are required to be licensed and registered with the California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board. Working with an unlicensed firm could get you on the wrong side of the law. In case of malpractice, your building may face demolition.
- Have you handled such a project before?
Contractors are different. Some specialize in roofing, others in paving, and others in bathroom remodels and so on. Renowned firms have a reliable team of experts that specialize in every project. Be keen to ask if they have undertaken a similar project in the past. A confident contractor will give you a detailed response on their procedures. You can also insist on viewing their portfolio of previous projects just to be sure.
- What ideas can improve my project?
You hire contractors because they have the technical knowhow of what works and what doesn’t. A good contractor shall provide you with specific details concerning ways of improving your project or why they prefer a certain material to another. For instance, a contractor seeking to undertake a kitchen remodel should advise you on the different kitchen layouts that work for your space. A contractor that refrains from giving you their professional input is a red flag.
- Do you have any references that may vouch for you?
Good work speaks for itself. Satisfied clients like recommending a good firm to others. Dissatisfied clients, too, are sure to voice their complaints. Asking for references gives you an insight of what others think about the contractor’s services. You can view these from testimonials on their website, or independent and trusted reviewers such as Yelp or Home Advisor.
