Tips for Finding a Reliable Contractor
You’ve finally decided to move your home renovation project from the “wish list” to the “to-do list.” Now what?
Renovation projects such as remodeling your bathroom, adding a deck with an outdoor kitchen or transforming your main living area to an open floor plan are major investments. Jefferson Bank can help you with the financing, but you’ll also need a trustworthy contractor to help bring your vision to life.
Finding a reliable contractor can seem like a daunting task, but it’s one of the most important steps for your home renovation project. Use these tips below when conducting your search for a qualified contractor who can meet your needs and expectations.
1. Have a Detailed Plan
As with any major project, you need a plan before you can take action. Having a firm grasp on your budget and knowing what you want to achieve with the renovation are two crucial components. With those two factors in mind, you can start building out your plan. You need to know what it is you are requesting a bid for. A clear and detailed understanding of the project’s scope will help you articulate your vision to the contractor. The more specific your plan, the more accurate your cost estimate should be.
2. Do Your Research
Use online resources or check with your personal network and community for referrals. If you have friends or neighbors who have recently had a project done, that’s a great place to gather recommendations.
Once you have some contractor names in mind, you should do some additional research before reaching out for an interview. Search for the company online to find out more about their reputation. Do they have reviews – good or bad? Have complaints or lawsuits been filed against them? The more information you can find up front the better.
3. Interview at Least Three Contractors
You don’t want to pick the first contractor who has 5-star reviews online. It’s best practice to interview a minimum of three and, ideally, as many as five contractors before selecting the one you’ll use for your project. Bids can vary widely, so it’s important to make sure you have multiple to compare. When asking for estimates, all of them should consider the same set of criteria, so you get a better idea of the fair market price. Keep in mind that the lowest price is not always the best price.
Other factors should be addressed when conducting interviews. Ask lots of questions and request proposals in writing from each contractor. Here are some of the items you should consider:
- How long have you been in business? Training and certifications?
- Do you perform background checks for the company employees or subcontractors?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What is your timeline for a job like this?
- What is your crew’s typical work schedule? Hours? Weekends?
- What is the protocol for protecting my home from damage during demolition and/or construction?
- Can you provide references from recent jobs similar in scope to mine?
4. Review Previous Work
Don’t just ask for references…be sure you contact them. Talking to former clients about their experience can provide valuable insight into the contractor’s professionalism and workmanship. Ask if you can see photos of the work. If you’re able to see it in person, even better!
If the company has a social media profile, it’s a good idea to check there too for pictures of recently completed projects. If they don’t have social media, ask the contractor to email or text you photos of completed work that is similar to yours.
5. Verify Licenses and Insurance
Ensure that the company or contractor you work with has the necessary licenses and insurance to operate in your region. In Texas, this information can be obtained from the state’s licensing office. Specific trades such as HVAC, electric and plumbing all have their own licensing requirements. Those can be verified through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Cities such as San Antonio, Dallas and Houston each have unique requirements for a general contractor’s license. In San Antonio, you can confirm the licensing through the City’s website.
Once the contractor has provided insurance information, call the carrier to confirm appropriate coverage for worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability. This ensures you won’t be responsible for costs related to unforeseen circumstances or accidents.
6. Get Everything in Writing
Before any work begins, ensure a written and signed contract is in hand.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options based on the written estimates provided, you will want the contractor you’ve selected to provide a formal contract that will be signed by both parties. This step is crucial.
When reviewing the contract, these are the major items you need to look for:
- Business contact info
- Targeted project timeline
- Detailed scope of work, including the materials and model numbers as well who will provide them
- Costs, warranties and payment schedule
- Licensing and insurance
- Permits required and who will obtain them
- Termination clause
- Dispute resolution clause
Read everything carefully before signing. Ask questions if you don’t understand something.
Don’t make the final payment until the job is complete.
Even with the most reliable contractor, the final payment for your renovation shouldn’t be paid until all the work outlined in the contract has been completed. Inspect the work carefully, and make sure that you are satisfied with the results. Any outstanding issues should be resolved before you consider the project finished.