This guide will ensure that you get a complete home renovation without mistakes.
(Iconic Construction, August 2022)
Hiring a contractor can be fraught with danger - you never know if you're getting someone who is qualified, honest, and capable of doing the job right.
We'll help you avoid common mistakes and make sure that your project goes as smoothly as possible.
We've put together this list of tips based on our years of experience in the construction industry. We hope they will help you make the best decision for your home renovation project.
Pro Tip #1 - Get Recommendations
Ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations or know anyone who has had a good experience with a contractor. You can also check online reviews of local companies and ask your realtor if they know of any good contractors in the area.
Pro Tip #2 - Do Phone Interviews
While it's always best to meet face-to-face with your potential contractors, you can get some valuable information by having a phone interview before setting up an appointment. Just be sure to ask them about their experience, quality of work, and price range so you know what you're getting into before meeting at their office or home.
Pro Tip #3 - Meet Face to Face
Now that you've narrowed down your list of potential contractors based on phone interviews that went well, it's time for an in-person meeting! Make sure to bring along all of the information from those phone interviews so that you can compare apples to apples—make sure the quotes are all in writing so there aren't any surprises later on down the line when things get escalated.
Pro Tip #4 - Don't Let Price Be Your Guide
A lower quote doesn't necessarily mean that you'll get lower quality work—and it definitely doesn't mean that you'll end up with more money in your pocket at the end of the project. In fact, it's quite possible that you'll end up paying even more than you planned if your contractor ends up making more mistakes or causing more damage as they try to cut corners.
Pro Tip #5 - Know What Your Responsibilities Are
When working with different contractors on home renovation projects or remodeling jobs like installing new flooring or building a deck out back it's easy to get confused about who does what during these kinds of projects, so make sure everyone knows exactly what's expected of them before beginning any work onsite! You may need to clear the way so that furniture does not get damaged, also make sure you inform the contractor of anything they need to know before they start working.
Pro Tip #6 - Put It In Writing
You should have a written contract between you and your contractor, outlining all of the important details about the job. A contract should include:
-The names and contact information for both parties involved in the project
-The type of work to be done, including any specific details about materials or finishes
-The total cost of the project, including any additional fees (such as travel expenses)
-How much money will be paid upfront versus when it's due after the work is complete (if applicable)
-How much money will be held back by the homeowner until the work is inspected (if applicable)
Pro Tip #7 - Think locally
When looking for a contractor, this will help ensure that you get someone who understands local building codes, which may vary from state to state or even county to county. Area contractors who have been in business for a long time are usually reliable and safe bets for projects. If they didn't do good work in your community, they wouldn't still be around.
Pro Tip #8 - Check Reviews And References
A good home renovation team will have a history of satisfied customers, and they'll be happy to share those references with you. If it turns out that there aren't any references available or none that are willing to talk about their experiences with the company in question, then you should think twice before hiring that contractor.
Pro Tip #9 - Make Sure The Contractor Is Licensed And Insured
It's a good idea to check that your contractor has the proper licenses and insurance before hiring them. A licensed contractor will have a license number that you can look up in your state's database, and a contractor who isn't insured may not be able to pay for damages if something goes wrong during the job.
Pro Tip #10 - Keep A Job File
Keep your contract and all the supporting documents in one folder. Your file should also contain any change orders, plans and specifications, bills and invoices, canceled checks, and certificates of insurance and any letters, notes, or correspondence with the contractor.
Are You Still Searching For The Perfect Contractor?
Iconic construction is the solution for you.
Iconic construction is the solution for you. We're a reliable contractor with years of experience in the industry. We have a team of skilled professionals who are dedicated to meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations. Contact us today for a free consultation!