7 Tips on Picking the Right Contractor
Hiring the right contractor is one of the most vital and essential steps when it comes to remodeling your home. Making sure you choose a contractor who is experienced, hardworking, and willing to meet all of your needs is very important. Have no fear, Home Remedy Houston is here with tips to help you pick the right contractor to meet all of your home remodeling needs.
1. Choose Local
When it comes to looking for contractors, it’s always best to look local. This means find someone who works in your area. If you’re in the greater Houston area, you already know who can help you out (we can). If you aren’t located near Houston, ask friends and family in your area for referrals to local businesses who specialize in what you need done.
2. Know What You Want
This is very important. Before calling contractor after contractor, know what it is you want done. This will will help when you start to contact contractors asking for estimates. Knowing what you want will also cut down the number of contractors to call.
3. Pick the Right Contractor for Your Specific Project
Hire a contractor who has experience with your specific project. There is so much that goes into each specific project that it would be in your best interest to find someone who knows what needs to be done. That way you can get the correct estimate and when work starts, you won’t be blindsided by any problems.
4. Make Sure the Contractor is Licensed and Insured
Save yourself from the blame game! Make sure that your contractor is licensed for your area and has insurance in case anything goes wrong. This way, you won’t have a fake contractor come in, take all your money, and leave you with a mess of a home remodel.
5. Who’s Working on Your Project?
Is your contractor hiring other contractors (sub-contractor) to help with your home remodel? Make sure you ask so you’re not surprised by someone other than your hired contractor working in or around your home. If sub-contractors are being used, research them and see what others are saying about them.
6. Lien Releases
Know the lien laws in your state! You do not want to be held liable in the off chance you picked a sketchy contractor who doesn’t pay his employees or suppliers. Get lien releases and receipts from everyone working on your home. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
7. Sign a Detailed Contract
Lastly, sign a detailed contract before any work is done. If your contractor doesn’t have a contract before work begins, run. Have your contractor spell out everything that is being done to your home along with a paragraph stating that he has all the work permits. Sign it and have them sign it and ask for a copy.
Picking the right contractor is something that takes time. Do not rush the process. Before work begins, make sure you only pay a certain percentage of the total amount with the rest being paid off after the work has been done to your liking. Remember, do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you deem necessary. After all, it is your home being worked on. Here at Home Remedy Houston, we are happy to help with any questions. Please feel free to contact us for all of your home improvement needs.