How Do I Find a Good Contractor for Home Improvements?

Home improvements offer an exciting change of environment around your home. However, the process can be quite intimidating. Poor planning can cause your project to get out of hand with exceeded budgets and lapsed time limits. The biggest mistake you can make with a home improvement project is cutting corners when hiring a contractor.

If you want to smile proudly as you drive up to your home, you need to work with an experienced and reliable contractor like Catenacci Construction LLC. But first, how do you choose the right contractor for the job? Here are some handy tips to help you get your money’s worth.

Also Read: Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Define Your Home Improvement Project

We recommend considering what kind of work you need to be done before you reach out to contractors. While most homeowners prefer hiring a single contractor for numerous improvements around the house, it might not be the best idea. Your home has different complex systems, and hiring the wrong person can make things worse than they already are. For instance, you cannot hire a roofing company to renovate your bathroom.

If you have several projects you need to be performed around your home, it would be best to create a priority list. This way, you can seek out contractors who specialize in the specific projects you need to be completed first. You are more likely to find an expert in the field if you narrow down your search to a specific skillset.

Ask for Recommendations

Signing a contract with the first company you encounter is never a good idea. We recommend asking around your area for reputable contractors. You can ask friends, family, and neighbors too. If your neighbor from down the street had a roof renovation done recently, you might want to ask them for a recommendation. That is the best way to get information about local contractors with impeccable customer service, great deals, and warranties.

Online Reviews

Do you want to reduce the chances of hiring an amateur contractor or a complete fraud? Look for online reviews. Most people search online for products and services, and when they get them, they leave reviews as to the quality of service they got.

Numerous independent sites display reviews from real clients who worked with certain contractors. It is essential to note that online reviews, especially on affiliate websites, may not be unbiased. As such, you should steer clear of contractors with suspiciously glamorous reviews or significant negative ones.

Take as Many Estimates as Possible

Reviewing estimates is an excellent way to narrow down your choices to the best available deals. While most people recommend comparing three estimates, we advise you to get as many as you can. This way, you do not have a shortage of options when choosing the contractor to hire.

We understand that cheap services may seem like a steal, but that isn’t always the case. Meager rates may be a sign that the contractor is new to the business or not as good at their job. Exorbitant prices do not guarantee exceptional services either. We recommend choosing a contractor with reasonable rates, additional services, and several years of experience.

Accreditation

There is no shortage of unscrupulous businessmen online looking to con you of your hard-earned money. That is why it is essential to ascertain a contractor is accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If they aren’t, do not engage further with them, even if they promise to get the job done at half the market price. Feel free to check the status of their business on home construction and renovation publications and trade organizations.

Verify Permits, Licensing, and Insurance

Home improvement projects are subject to statutory regulations and safety standards that could put you on the wrong side of the law. As such, we advise all homeowners to ask for proof of licensing before signing any contract. They should show proper insurance coverage to ensure you are not held liable if a worker is injured while working on your property. Your contractor must also have adequate statutory permits to perform the job you need.

Home improvements are a significant investment, and one should not rush into them. We advise you to ask as many questions as possible to ensure there are no grey areas before entering a contract. It is always best to work with contractors who can stand by their services. That way, you are assured that they won’t walk away unless you are satisfied with the job.