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Steps For You to Take to Ensure You Hire the Best Contractor For Your Kitchen Remodel
Talk to anyone who has done repairs, a remodel, or a total renovation, and they will tell you how hard it is to find a good contractor. Just about every time you as someone how the remodel is going, they’ll immediately go off with a list of complaints regarding their contractor and his workers.
In order to find a great contractor, talk to family and friends. The best way to nail a great contractor is choosing one based on word of mouth. If you’ve seen any homes in the neighborhood over the past year that look like they have had workers over there, don’t be afraid to knock on their door and ask which contracting company they used, and if they liked them. Bonus, you’ll be able to see the worst first-hand! If you’re stuck on people to ask, you can also talk with a building inspector. They’ll usually be able to provide you with some pretty good names.
One idea is to conduct phone interviews. Once you’ve made a list of some prospective contractors, call each one of them. Ask them questions like:
What size projects do you usually take on?
Can you provide references from recent clients?
Can you provide a list of your previous clientele?
Will you be working on multiple projects alongside mine, or just a few?
How long have your subcontractors been working for you?The next thing you’ll certainly want to do is meet them in person. Choose the ones that you felt made a good impression in relation to the above questions. Pay close attention to their communication style and delivery throughout the interviews, because the way they communicate the first time likely is how it will be in the future. Be sure to also check with the Better Business Bureau (BBA) to make sure that there are no complaints.
If the contractor provided you a list of previous clients, don’t be afraid to call them up to find out how their project went; if they’ll allow you, visit their home or project site to see how it turned out. What they think was “fantastic work” might not be to you.
Next, you’ll need to compare bids from the contractors you’ve spoken with. Ask them to break down every single cost in detail; not just the project fee and materials. There are so many other details. If you have a budget, be very clear with them of what that budget is; outline that in the contract as well. Everything needs to be in writing. When reviewing their bid, know that usually materials will be about 45% of the total bid amount. If it is way higher than that, there’s probably something wrong.
You’ll also need to agree on when payment(s) will be made. The answer to this question will also give you even more insight into the contractor, and his ethical sense. If they want 1/2 of the money before the project, for example, they could possibly have financial problems. Or worse, bad relationships with vendors and supply stores in the area. They could also be worried that you won’t want to pay them after they’ve finished the project; meaning, they may do bad work.
While the saying “you get what you pay for” is often true, don’t be so quick to eliminate the lowest bidder. It doesn’t always mean that they are not great contractors. You should still be wary though. In the end, communication is one of the top priorities when it comes to working with a contractor. If, when you meet them, you feel like you two don’t quite “connect,” you should immediately eliminate them from your prospective contractor list.
Lastly, make sure that the contractor is fully licensed, and accredited. Liability insurance is a must. You must check his license and policies. Be sure that every detail of the project is in writing, and signed by both parties. Include the date the project is to be completed, and any special-order materials.
How to Deal With a Bad Contractor – US News
13 Things Homeowners Wish They Had Known About Working With a Contractor
When the Contractor Won’t Return Your Calls – HGTV
For more tips on hiring a contractor, watch the video below:
How to Deal With a Bad Contractor – US News
13 Things Homeowners Wish They Had Known About Working With a Contractor
When the Contractor Won’t Return Your Calls – HGTV
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Steps For You to Take to Ensure You Hire the Best Contractor For Your Kitchen Remodel
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I hired a bad contractor. For almost 3 months now, my basement is not done yet. He doesn’t show up, and is ignoring my calls. The problem is that I have paid him for almost everything already. Are there ANY options at all??
Good luck…our contractor “finished” our job last year. By that I mean he left several things unfinished. I think if you’re going to do a remodel of any kind, you have to just expect that it isn’t going to turn out perfect.