How to Choose the Right Contractors for Your Renovation

Are you undertaking a building or renovation project but you’re not sure who to hire? You need to find a contractor that fits your budget, timescale, and design choices especially when you are planning to make something like enclosed patio. Above all, you need a professional that understands your vision and is committed to your project.

Selecting the right people for the job not only means that the result will be as you’d envisioned, but it also means the process will be less stressful.

Here are five simple tips to ensure you get the best contractor for your home renovation or building work.

1. Consider a Range of Options

Don’t simply go for the first contractor that comes up on your online search. It’s well worth your time to contact several service providers to compare costs, availability, and general disposition.

Start by making some phone calls to gather quotes and find out more about the way they work. See whether they seem approachable, accessible, and available. If they go for the hard sell and pressure you into using them, they may not be the best option.

2. Check their Accreditations

Never go with a contractor that doesn’t have professional accreditations and a good reputation. Find out whether they are members of a professional body, what licenses they have, and take a look at online reviews.

Before enlisting the services of a contractor, check that they meet all the required standards and regulations for the work intended. This is particularly important if you have moved to a new area, as state regulations differ.

Ensure that they have the qualifications relevant to your state – for example, you can’t hire a family friend from Alabama if you’ve recently moved to Miami and they haven’t passed the Florida contractors license exam.

3. Ask the Right Questions

When contacting prospective contractors, ask more than just the basic questions. Find out about how they work, what their main area of expertise is, and how many projects they tend to work on at once.

Also, check whether they use subcontractors and find out more information about them if they do.

4. Choose Between Prospective Contractors

Once you’ve looked into a few options, draw up a shortlist of prospects. You may even want to meet with each contractor to clarify further details, and to verify their insurance and license.

It’s important that you check their license with the relevant licensing authority, as you don’t want to start a project with a contractor whose license may be revoked midway through the project.

You then need to choose the best contractor on your list for your project – and don’t be swayed by cost. Obviously, it needs to be within your budget, but don’t let the lowest bid draw you in if other contractors are in your price range and suit your needs better.

5. Ask for a Contract in Writing Before Work Commences

Once you’re happy that you’ve chosen a suitable contractor for your work, make sure you get a written contract drawn up. It’s important to get clarification on all the details you’ve discussed, as well as schedule compliance and a clear budget. At this stage, you should also be looking to agree on a start date and completion date for your project.

Bottom Line

You need more than just a good contractor for your renovation project to run seamlessly – you need the right one.

Choosing the right contractor is key to getting your building or renovation project right and who knows how to make expensive things like pool patio ideas easily and efficiently. While it may take a little extra time and research, you’ll be glad you put the effort in. Use these tips to get started with finding a contractor that’s right for your project.