5 Questions to Ask to Find a Good Home Remodel Contractor
You’ve probably heard that whatever remodel project you plan, you should get three price quotes and choose the lowest bid. Not so fast! Not all contractors are equally qualified. You need to consider the products and materials they use, along with their experience, reputation, and reliability. Ask friends, family, and realtors for recommendations on contractors they have used. If you are new to an area, try online services such as Angi that have verified user reviews. Then ask these 5 questions to find the best remodel company for your project:
1. How Much Experience Do You Have?
If a company and its workers are new to the remodel business, they are not going to have much of a track record that you can check. Find out how long they have been operating and how many projects they have completed. Ask if they have completed renovations like yours. An organization that specializes in room renovations may have no idea how to properly install new roofing. Choose the right contractor for the job.
2. Can You Provide References?
Ask for references and check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any unresolved complaints against the company. Look at their website and other sources to read reviews. Ask if it would be possible to view one of their past projects or speak to former clients.
When you contact a reference, ask about their overall satisfaction and specifics about the job. Was the job completed professionally and on time? How were changes to the contract handled? Did they use subcontractors and were they paid on time? And how did they treat the job site? Did the contractors clean up after themselves every day and respect the property, inside and out?
3. What Products Do You Use?
A home remodel contractor can have lots of experience, but if they use poor quality materials you are not going to be happy with the results in the long term. Find out what products the company uses and research the manufacturer. Then find out if the company is a Preferred Contractor for those materials. Certified Preferred Contractors meet the manufacturer’s high standards for training, insurance, installation, and licensing. You might also be able to get extended warranties that cover products and labor when you work with a Preferred Contractor.
4. What Permits Are Required?
Make certain that your contractor knows which permits to pull. Contact the city or town where you live and find out what is required. The contractor will then need to obtain the permits, licensing, and insurance and show you proof that they have. Your project will then be inspected once the work is complete. You can run into problems when you go to sell your home if the proper permits were not secured.
5. What Will It Cost?
Ask for a detailed estimate of the project’s total cost. As you compare contactors, be sure the products and services they offer are similar. If one contractor uses an inferior product, of course he can charge less. But is it worth it? Find out if the contractor can help you finance the project over time. And be sure to ask about cost overruns and completion dates. Remember, the contractor with the lowest bid is not always the best choice.
Once you select your remodel contractor, you will sign a contract and make a deposit. Read the contract carefully as this will be the document you will have to rely on if there is ever a dispute with the remodel company. It should include the budget, timeline, a detailed list of building materials, and the responsibilities of all subcontractors. Never pay the full amount of a project upfront, even if they offer a big discount. It’s normal, though, to pay a 20% to 30% deposit.
Want to find a good home remodel contractor for roofing, siding, and replacement windows? NOW Remodeling has a long history of providing excellent service and installations. We use US-Made ProVia windows and siding and are a Preferred Contractor for Owens Corning® roofing systems. We don’t take shortcuts, and neither should you. Do your research and request your free quote today.