The process of remodeling is a significant undertaking that has the potential to alter the architecture, layout, and design of your home. When you hire a contractor for work, it’s the same as employing a new employee for the position.
Just like you wouldn’t hire the first person who applied for a position at your company, you shouldn’t choose a home improvement contractor before filtering down the pool of applicants until you find the best one.
1: Get Suggestions
The first thing you should do when looking for a good contractor for home improvements is to compile a list of ten to fifteen local contractors who have the necessary level of experience.
You will eventually use this list to choose your contractor, so it is better to add more names than you need at this stage. You will gradually cut down this list to the top contenders, and you will ultimately use it to choose your contractor.
Your beginning list can be compiled in a number of different methods, including the following:
- Inquire for recommendations from your homeowner friends, particularly those who have just recently undergone renovations.
- Conduct a search online for the kind of service you require that is offered in your region.
- Look at what previous customers have said.
- Ask your friends or followers on social media for recommendations on local businesses.
2: Evaluate the Previous Work of Each Contractor
Choose a contractor that specializes in the kind of renovation you want to do; for example, if you want to renovate your bathroom, hiring someone who specializes in remodeling kitchens might not be the best choice.
When it comes to specific projects, having a home renovation contractor that is also creative can be of great assistance. For instance, if you want to install tiles for an entryway that have a complex mosaic or paint a room with a fake finish, you will need a contractor that is skilled in doing work of that nature.
Ask every potential contractor on your list for a portfolio of their work that dates back at least a year. This will allow you to verify that your aesthetic preferences are being adhered to and that the quality of the work is up to your standards.
They might provide you with a tangible portfolio, or they might lead you to a website where you can view examples of their work.
3. Ask for a License or Certification
Asking each contractor for proof that they are licensed and certified can be a quick and easy method to cut down on the number of options you have. A professional Miami general contractor will never hesitate to show a license and a certificate to work as a contractor in Miami.
The type of home improvement job you have and the state in which you live will determine which licenses and qualifications your home improvement contractor has to have.
Legal requirements for contractors differ from state to state; thus, you should contact the licensing office of your local government to inquire about the specific regulations in your area.
4. Check Maximum References
Now would be a good moment to start checking references. A standard reference list for a contractor will include at least 10 jobs, complete with the name, address, and telephone number of each individual customer.
Make it a point to inquire about their most recent jobs, as well as a couple of older references and work from a variety of communities. It would be helpful if there were dates associated with each employment; if the dates weren’t included on the list, you should inquire about them.
5. Review Previous Work
When you have finished calling the references provided by your contractors, mark out any contractors who received negative feedback. The next step is to determine which of the remaining references to personally visit in order to view the finished work of their contractor.
Select individuals who give off the impression of being open and forthcoming, and whose projects are comparable to your own.