Selecting The Right General Contractor for Your Remodeling
Whether you are considering new home construction or remodeling some part of your current home, selecting the right general contractor for your needs is an important step. You should begin by seeking a contractor who specializes in whatever it is you need. For example, if you are remodeling a bathroom, then you want a contractor who specializes in bathrooms, whereas if you are building a new home from the ground up, select a contractor who specializes in new construction.
There are several steps you, the consumer, can take to ensure that you choose a reputable contractor. You should begin by seeking a contractor who is established in your geographical area. In part, you can do this by asking for documentation of the contractor’s license and insurance. He or she should be willing to provide proof of this documentation. If the contractor cannot, this is a red flag.
Seek references before choosing a contractor. You can do this by asking contractors that you’re considering for references and contacting these references. Ask whether the customer is satisfied with the overall performance of the contractor, whether the contractor finished the project in a timely fashion, whether there were any problems to be addressed post-construction and other similar types of questions. Visit sites where the contractor has finished projects to get a feel for his or her completed work.
You should also get a thorough written estimate for any work before signing a contractor for your remodeling or new construction project. If a contractor is unwilling to provide a written estimate, you should probably look elsewhere. It’s recommended that you seek written estimates from three to four contractors before choosing a contractor. If there are major differences in the estimates, you should ask follow-up questions. The lowest price may not always be the best option.
The prospect of new home construction or even a remodeling project can be overwhelming. To ease this, it’s important to pick the right contractor for your specific job.