Remodeling your come is a daunting project that takes a lot of time, funds, and nerves to complete. Once you decide to renovate a part of your home or make more room by having a room addition done, the most critical decision you’ll have to make is which contractor to hire for the job. Whether you’re going to add fresh paint, or you’re looking to add a few stylish curtains Melbourne residents love, there’s a lot to consider.
When it comes to choosing which contractor you are going to trust with your home improvement or renovation project, there are several criteria you should consider before hiring one. Remodeling experts at Ten Key Remodels share which criteria matter the most.
Does The Company Have A Good Reputation?
You can usually learn a lot about a company by looking at what others have said about them online. If the company has been in business for many years, they have probably received good reviews in the past from previous customers. You can also look into how reputable that company is by looking up its registration status with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
It’s important that any contractor you hire has a solid reputation within your community and has built up their clientele base over many years of providing satisfactory service, so be sure to investigate this aspect of their company before hiring them.
Is The Company Insured And Bonded?
Hiring an uninsured contractor could be the biggest mistake you’ll ever make because if something happens to your home during the renovation, there won’t be anyone who can pay for it! To avoid putting your assets at risk, always hire insured and bonded contractors.
Contractors should carry insurance policies like general commercial liability, general contractor liability, business personal property, worker’s compensation, or bond insurance to protect themselves in case they cause damage to your home.
Does The Contractor Have Any References From Previous Clients?
When meeting with potential subcontractors for your project, never hesitate to ask each of them for references of past projects they’ve completed. By contacting their past clients, you can get a firsthand account of how they conduct themselves during a project and the quality of their craft.
You’ll also be able to learn more about their business practices regarding payments, responsiveness, deadlines, and communication. Reviewing references is an essential part of your decision-making process as it will give you insight into whether or not that contractor is trustworthy and reliable.
Does The Company Understand Your Vision And Needs?
Every homeowner thinks they know what they want when it comes to renovations or remodeling. And more importantly, homeowners should not neglect the legal complications that may arise brought by renovation projects. You may consult right of light surveyors to assess if your plan could infringe on a neighbour’s right to light. It is therefore important to conduct a survey and analyze the proposals to advise on all possible impacts.
For instance, if you want to renovate your kitchen but don’t know much about different types of countertops and flooring, you may want to hire a contractor with expertise in renovations and has access to resources or knows where you can find what you are looking for.
Can The Company Accommodate Your Schedules And Budget?
Not only should the company be able to meet deadlines, but they should also have flexibility with scheduling project start dates once the deposit is made. Your projects mustn’t be delayed by months because it hinders your ability to pay your mortgage or rent on time.
A good rule of thumb is that if the total cost of the renovation project exceeds 10% – 15% of your annual income, then hiring a professional design consultant could benefit both parties.
Sometimes, homeowners use friends and family members who may not have a professional’s formal training. These individuals can often cost you more money if they do the job incorrectly or cause damage to your home that needs to be fixed after the project is complete.
