How to Choose a Remodeling Contractor

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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When you are ready to embark upon a remodeling project for your home, you may think that coming up with the right design is the most difficult task you will be facing. However, you might actually discover that finding the right people to carry out the job is even harder. After all, this will be someone who must understand your needs, your priorities, your taste, and, most importantly, be able to work within your budget. So, how do you go about finding this specific individual? You want your project to end successfully and give you the new spaces you need and you don’t want to take any risks if you can avoid them.

How do you start your search?

It is important, first of all, that you know what you want. That new bathroom will be an addition or will the contractor have to remodel an old one? Is there room for the addition? Make a list of all the items this project must include. The more information you have on what you want, the easier it will be to transmit this information to the contractor. Gauge their reaction to your plan, and see if they are willing to follow your vision.

Get Recommendations from Friends and Family

If your neighbors, friends, or family members have had some work done and they have liked it, get their contractor’s information. Also, ask your friends or family what job they had done, how they liked working with the contractor, whether the budget was adhered to, if the timeline worked as planned, and any other doubts you may have.

If they have not had work done recently or they have nobody to recommend, you may go to online reviews. Look for professional sites where reviews are harder to fake, read customers’ reviews and experiences. You might even find out how the contractor reacts to complaints and how they resolve the issues.

Interview Potential Contractors

Once you have assembled a list of names it’s time to start making phone calls. Ask them if they are willing to work on a project of the size of yours and if they are available to start on a day that works for you. Ask them if they are licensed and certified and if their license allows them to work where you live.

If you like the responses, the next step may be an in-person meeting and a possible visit to one of the projects they have just completed.

Check their BBB Ratings and Other References

By getting the official name of the contractor’s business, you can check their rating with the Better Business Bureau. You may also find out if there have been any complaints against the contractor or his business and how those problems were resolved.

Compare Bids

Once you have narrowed down your list to two or three names, request a bid. After explaining to each what you want, ask them for a quote. Compare what each would include and once you make up your mind as to your favorite, ask for a detailed contract before the job begins. Once the work starts, ask questions when stuff happens that you don’t understand and keep an eye on everything that is being done to avoid surprises at the end. For more information, visit Home Care Contractors.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.