Getting the job done right!
What to look for in a Remodeling Contractor
We have all heard home renovation horror stories. Whether it’s a DIY disaster or an under qualified contractor, there is a lot that can go wrong when you set out to remodel your home. The most crucial step you can take to have an amazing, successful remodel is to hire a great contractor. They are going to have to access your current home and determine how to incorporate the remodels you want into it. This can be difficult in older homes, and often times issues start popping up when you dig below the surface. You need someone you can trust to take these problems in strides and be ready for whatever your home can throw at it. So how do you know what to look for in a remodeling contractor? Read on to learn about some of the most important things to consider when hiring a contractor.
Get Recommendations & References
You should always seek out recommendations and references for a remodeling project. While online reviews can be helpful and are a good place to start, they should be taken with a grain of salt. A couple of disgruntled homeowners’ reviews may not accurately reflect the contractor’s or company’s work and professionalism. Instead, ask your family members, friends, neighbors, or anyone you know who has had a part of their home remodeled. Find out who did their remodel and if they were happy with the work that was done. You can check out a contractor’s past projects by talking with someone who recommended them, speaking with the contractor’s company, or searching online. Clayton Hoover and Sons provides testimonials and videos of their work process at claytonhoover.com/media. Testimonials are a great way to get a feel for a company’s work ethic, as they tend to go deeper into how it was to work with the company, rather than just the work they did. When you can see a community of people ready to recommend someone’s work, you can feel at ease with the people you’re hiring.
Don’t Decide Based On Price
If the pricing seems too good to be true, it usually is. Look for a contractor who is neither the cheapest nor most expensive. You want a contractor who respects your budget and timeframe but won’t sacrifice regulations, safety, or quality to meet your expectations. With a budget in mind, remember that renovations uncover other issues, and they are usually issues that accumulate over time. Leave a small buffer so that your budget can be flexible for these surprises. Long processed issues tend to be the most damaging and costly. Ask the contractor about issues that have sprung up in the past and how they handled those situations. What did they expect of the homeowners? How quickly was it handled? Do changes in the current market lead them to believe there could be hiccups for your project? Ask questions and consider how they deliver their answers. You want someone confident!
Review Project Photos
Look at the contractor’s past work. Anything they can give you, you want to see. Ask questions about the projects that stick out to you the most, the good and the bad. There may be something int heir portfolio that you hadn’t thought of and want to add to your own project! Contractors are sources of information about what can and should be done to homes. They have first-hand experience and will be realistic with you on pricing and ability for your circumstance. Once you’re comfortable with their work, ask for estimates. You can request an estimate from Clayton Hoover and Sons at claytonhoover.com/remodeling, then talk with the contractor in a meeting about your vision for the final result.
Look At Credentials
Other things to look for in a good contractor are their credentials.
- Are they located in the South Bend / Mishawaka area? Local companies are much easier to stay in contact with throughout the remodeling process.
- How long have they been in business? Clayton Hoover and Sons has more than 75 years of experience.
- What certifications do they have? Looking at certifications is a good indicator of how experienced and trustworthy the company is. It means your remodel will be safe and up to code.
- Does the company carry insurance? Your contractor’s insurance policy protects you as the homeowner from responsibility for an injury sustained on your property.
Plan Your Remodel With A Professional
Remodeling or updating a home can be overwhelming, but having the home of your dreams is worth the time and effort! Not only will you have a beautiful place to call yours, but you’ll also raise the value of your property as well. Ask your contractor how the projects you’re incorporating will affect your home’s value, and it can help gauge what project is or isn’t worth it in the long run. You may find you want to update something different based on need or value.
Let’s talk! Clayton Hoover and Sons want to answer your questions and help you with your remodeling project! Contact us at ClaytonHoover.com/remodeling or call for a free estimate at 574-288-8630.
