Remodeling or renovating your home can be quite exciting. However, before you can get the work underway, you need to find a reputable home improvement contractor. While there are countless options available, you should never simply pick a random name. Any person you allow on your property, to complete any type of work, should be screened carefully. Some things to consider when looking for a home improvement contractor are highlighted here.
Ask for Referrals
There are a number of different ways to find possible contractors. One of the easiest methods is to ask for recommendations from friends and family members. You can even expand your search to social media, which can be another beneficial resource. However, you should keep in mind that a personal referral may not mean the person is qualified to do the work you need done, so you should not hire simply based on this.
Interview Potential Candidates
Once you have narrowed down your options to three or four candidates, you should call each of the contractors to get an idea of how professional they are and if they make you feel confident in their abilities. Some questions to consider asking when you contact a contractor include:
- * How long have they been in business?
- * Who is going to be the supervisor of the project?
- * Are the workers employees of the company, or are they subcontractors?
- * Does the company have insurance?
- * Will they provide you with references?
Look Out for Red Flags
If you have never hired a contractor before, you may not know what to look for when it comes to “red flags” or warning signs. For example, if you find a contractor who gives you an estimate significantly lower than the others, it may mean they are cutting corners or using sub-quality materials. Remember, you are shopping for the final products; this will not necessarily mean you choose the contractor with the lowest price. Some red flags to be aware of include:
- * They request more than a third of the payment upfront.
- * They demand you pay only in cash.
- * The contractor does not have a physical address.
- * The contractor came to you.
If you notice any of these issues, it is a sign you should seek service elsewhere.
Close the Deal
Once you have found the contractor you want to use, ask for an estimate in writing. When you have a formal contract, it will help to eliminate the possibility of issues down the road. Finding a home improvement contractor is not impossible. By using the tips here and contacting Granite Transformations, you can have confidence in the decision you make.
