Tips on Hiring a General Remodeling Contractor
General Remodeling Contractors
Instead of moving to a new home, many homeowners today are choosing to remodel or repurpose their existing space. Many times changes in families needs will prompt these decisions to be made. Kids going off to college, job status changes, household members aging or additional family members in the household can affect the needs and uses of your home.
The reasons for remodeling can be varied but some of the more common projects include:
- Adding more space. Sunrooms, basement finish, outdoor living space-deck/patio
- Upgrading cabinets, counters, appliances and fixtures.
- Creating a floor plan that's customized for the family’s new lifestyle.
- Improving energy efficiency with new windows, doors, insulation and climate control systems.
- Increasing the resale value of your home.
- Universal design
- Upgrading kitchens and bathrooms
What to Expect From Home Improvement Professionals
General Contractors:
Their overhead and staff are geared toward larger projects. They are capable of working on any size project, however, the smaller the project, the greater the likelihood of working with a more junior member of their staff. General Contractors usually have the expertise and staff to oversee nearly any home improvement.
Specialty Contractors:
They offer a unique blend of experience, skill and project management. They are limited in size and are usually staffed with a small, experienced group of professionals. They can specialize in bathrooms, landscaping, sunrooms, basements, custom garages, etc.
Trade Professional:
They are specialists in their area; however, they may not know other areas as well or at all. Remodeling requires project management and a skilled trade professional may or may not be a capable project manager. (For example: Plumbers may be great at plumbing, and are strong in technical aspects of a project, but providing the insight and guidance when it comes to finishing the project ergonomically and aesthetically may be a challenge.) Included in this group are plumbers, tile experts, etc.
Service & Product Professionals:
They are specialists in their service areas such as flooring, painting, skylights, gutters, roofs, heating & cooling, wet basement repair and more. Their Home Improvement activities are very specific; however they can have a very large impact in your enjoyment of your home.
Beginning The Process
Before you head too far down the remodeling path, it's a good idea to think through your wants and needs and create a prioritized list. As you are creating your list you should always keep in mind what you want the end result to accomplish and budgets needed, as well as the return on the investment if you should ever decide to sell your home.
In addition, selecting the right remodeling contractor will help make your remodeling or repurposing project be more enjoyable and more successful.
The following steps are recommended when hiring a contract remodeler:
- Ensure that the business is a legitimate establishment by checking the phone number, address and business licenses
- Be sure the contractor is fully insured including liability and property insurance and worker compensation. Without those types of insurances if something were to happen, you could be held liable.
- Check with your local Better Business Bureau, building associations and other consumer protection agencies to ensure there are no outstanding complaints, penalties or fines issued to the contractor.
- Ask the contractor to provide references and then follow up with the references
- Obtain signed written estimates of services being provided. Be sure to understand what is actually included, labor, materials, etc. Also be sure to know how the process will proceed and potential costs involved for any unforeseen issues.
- Find out if the contractor or any of their employees has had specific training and certifications in specific areas.
- Ask the contractor if they are a member in any trade associations. Associations such as NARI, require all members to follow a strict code of ethics.
Remodeling or repurposing your home is a big process with many decisions to be made along the way. Finding the right contract remodeler will help you make the best choices for your needs and provide expert advice and guidance throughout the entire process. Making the right choices up front will allow you to be able to achieve the remodeling success you desire and enjoy the end results for years to come.
