The right contractor can help you achieve your remodeling dreams. But finding one can be tricky, warns This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
Start by asking for referrals from friends and family with similar projects. Also, visit your local home improvement store or hardware supply to ask employees about contractors they recommend.
Ask for Recommendations
Asking for recommendations is a great way to find a local contractor. You can do this by asking your family and friends or looking for recommendations on home improvement websites. A good local contractor will have a high rating on these sites because they treat their customers well and are honest with them. However, it is important to read both positive and negative reviews to get a full picture.
Once you have a list of potential contractors, schedule interviews with them. This will give you a chance to ask questions about their experience, pricing, and timeline. It will also help you determine whether or not you are comfortable working with them. In addition, be sure to ask for a detailed quote that outlines the project scope and budget. Also, be wary of any contractors who offer extremely low estimates. This may be a sign that they are cutting corners or trying to scam you. If you are not comfortable with the contractor, move on to another one.
Check Their Credentials
If you want to find a great local contractor (thekedar) then you should always check their credentials. You should check their business license and insurance to ensure that they are licensed to work in your area, have workers’ compensation and property damage liability. You should also make sure that they have experience in your specific type of project as this will help them navigate challenges and bring your vision to life.
A good local contractor will care about their reputation and will respond quickly to any concerns or issues that arise. You can also easily contact them if you have any problems after the job is completed.
You can ask friends and family for recommendations, as well as real estate agents and local home improvement stores. These places often have bulletin boards where you can find contractor referrals. You should also visit online review websites to get an idea of the quality of contractors’ work.
Get a Written Estimate
Once you’ve done your research and found a contractor that meets your requirements and has the proper credentials, get them to give you a written estimate. This is important because it sets expectations and prevents future misunderstandings that could lead to costly lawsuits.
Estimates should include detailed information on all the work that needs to be performed and the price of the project. In addition, it is a good idea to include your terms and conditions and a process for dealing with cost over-runs and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Pl4raqo9IA change orders. This will ensure that you’re not being overcharged for services or materials that may be out of your control, such as market prices on lumber or weather-related delays.
It’s also a good idea to write that the price is “subject to change” on your estimates, which protects you from clients that will try to take advantage of you by demanding that you honor an old estimate. This also shows that you have integrity and are willing to work with your client to resolve any disputes.
Compare Prices
It is a good idea to shop around and compare prices. This will help you find the best contractor for your money. You should also be sure to read both positive and negative reviews on contractors’ review sites before choosing one.
Another benefit of hiring a local contractor is that your money stays in the community. This is especially important after a storm because local businesses are the backbone of your community’s economy. Local contractors understand this and want to do their part in helping the community recover.
You can find a great local contractor by asking for recommendations from family and friends or checking out their online reputation. You can also use a service like GreatBuildz to be matched with a pre-vetted local contractor. This will save you a lot of time and hassle.