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After narrowing down your list of home improvement companies to those that seem trustworthy, you’ll want to compare cost estimates. Ask the contractors to itemize their bids, including the costs of materials, labor and profit margins.
Also, find out what kind of insurance they carry and how you should prepare your house for work to begin – such as putting family heirlooms in storage or covering your floors.
1. Get Referrals
If you have friends or neighbors who have recently completed home improvement projects, ask them for recommendations. They’ll be able to talk about the contractor’s professionalism, work ethic and customer service.
Quality contractors are proud of their work and should have no problem showcasing it to potential clients. They should be able to provide you with photos of previous jobs, as well as a list of names and telephone numbers so that you can call to request more details.
When you call the references, listen carefully and take detailed notes. Ask if they were satisfied with the work and whether it was done on time and within budget. Also, ask the contractors if they have insurance coverage and what type of work it covers.
2. Check Their License
There are some home improvement projects that can only be completed by a professional. Even if your toolbox has everything you need, some projects require special equipment or expertise. You should only hire contractors who are licensed, insured, and bonded.
This ensures that they are qualified to perform the work, and it helps protect you if something goes wrong. Damage caused by an unlicensed contractor is not covered by homeowner’s insurance, and you could be stuck with the bill for any faulty workmanship.
A license means that they have met your state’s requirements for working in the field. It also shows that they take their work seriously and are less likely to cut corners. You can easily check a contractor’s license online, through your local or state government websites.
3. Check Their Portfolio
A contractor needs a portfolio to show their work to clients. Whether they’re a solo handyman or a large construction company, having a portfolio is important. It allows them to showcase their experience and the quality of their work.
It’s also helpful to know where they’ve worked before. This will help you figure out how familiar they are with the local regulations and building codes for your area.
Home improvement projects are a great way to increase the value of your home and make it a place that you can enjoy for years to come. However, it’s important to understand the scope of your project and how it will impact your lifestyle. This will give you a better idea of what your home improvement budget should be.
4. Ask For References
Choosing the right contractor can be one of the most important decisions you make for your home. After all, they will be in and around your house for days or even weeks while they remodel your home.
Ask potential contractors for references and contact information for previous clients who may have had projects similar to yours. It is also helpful to find out if those clients would rehire them for future projects or recommend them to friends.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential contractors, schedule in-person interviews with them. During this meeting, each contractor should provide you with an itemized project quote that will include the cost of labor, materials, and profit margins. This way you can compare quotes and make an informed hiring decision.
5. Get a Quote
You need to create a budget for your project before hiring any contractors. This will help you narrow down the contractors and make an educated hiring decision.
It’s also important to get a quote for your project. An estimate is usually a broad range of costs, while a quote is an exact price. This means the contractor can’t charge more than the agreed-upon price unless you add extra work to the project or discover damage that was unforeseeable.
You should always get three bids before making a hiring decision. Any bids that are significantly different should be a red flag, as they may not use the same quality materials or offer warranties. Pay attention to small indicators of professionalism as well, such as how quickly they return phone calls or keep appointments.
