A remodeling contractor is a vital ally in your home-improvement project. They oversee the construction process and see that it’s completed on time and within budget.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, add a new bedroom, or make any other changes to your home, it’s essential to choose a reputable, qualified remodeling contractor. A bad choice can result in shoddy craftsmanship, unexplained costs, or an unfinished remodel.
General contractors manage building, renovating, and remodeling projects for homeowners, businesses, and government agencies. They are responsible for the day-to-day oversight of construction sites, management of vendors and trades, and communication of information throughout a building project.
The right remodeling contractor will be licensed, insured, and able to handle any size job.
Before you hire a contractor, ask them to show you their past work. This will give you an idea of how they run their business and if they’re a good fit for your needs. It’s also a great way to find out if they’ve ever been sued or had any other issues with the contractors on their crews.
Another great resource is online contractor referral websites. There you’ll be able to search for a contractor by state or area and read reviews and testimonials about them.
Once you’ve narrowed your list of candidates, it’s time to interview them one-on-one. Ask them about their experience in your specific project, and what they recommend. You can also request samples of their work or references.
If they don’t have any references for you, it’s a good idea to get recommendations from friends who have recently used a contractor for their own renovations. This can give you a clearer picture of their work, as friends might be able to point out any problems that arise along the way.
The ideal contractor will be a team player who will make the most of your remodel while staying in constant contact with you. You’ll want to find out how they communicate and whether they prefer to meet regularly with you or just keep you updated over the phone.
You’ll also need to know who will be on the job site and if the same people will be there each day or if they’ll rotate. This can be important if you’re worried about strangers in your home or don’t like the idea of having an unknown face at your door every morning.
Full-service remodeling companies have a strong leadership structure and a high standard of training for their staff. This is because they need their employees to be top-notch and able to handle any type of project.
They may have an experienced project manager who will be in charge of your remodel from start to finish, or a person who has been working for the company for a while and knows their crews well. If they don’t have a project manager, it’s a good idea to find out if their crews include any other subcontractors you can trust.