How to Hire a Reputable Contractor
A recent survey from Remodeling Magazine states that there is a 13% increase in the number of homeowners who say they will remodel in 2010. With the economy now moving in positive direction, there is simply no better time to remodel your home. But, how do you choose a reputable contractor? That can be a daunting question, but armed with some basic knowledge selecting a good contractor to handle your project can be a positive and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to follow;
The easiest thing to do first is to ask for referrals from the people you trust. Talk to your close relatives, friends, neighbors or business associates who have experienced successful remodeling projects. These people will usually be more than happy to tell you about their good experiences and their bad. Another great source for referrals is your local professional building organizations. Check with your local chapters of the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI), the Tampa Bay Builders Association (TBBA) or the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). These professional organizations follow a strict code of ethics and espouse a high standard of conducting business so you can usually rely on their recommendations.
Once you have a list of potential contractors, then you should begin the interview process. It’s important to personally meet with each contractor to determine if the company is a good match in both skill set and personality. Your function at the interview is to determine if the contractor has the requisite skills to define realistic budget parameters, provide design services applicable to your project, provide an accurate estimating process and ultimately provide the construction services to complete the design/build process.
The fact that the contractor can meet your technical needs is crucial, but you need to also consider quite highly the intangible aspects as well. At your meeting, each contractor should present himself professionally (this is the best it will ever be) and be attentive in listening to your remodeling desires. They need to be a good listener from the very beginning to ensure a successful project. Also, is there a rapport between you? Ask yourself, can you live with this contractor for 3, 6, 8 months while your project is being designed, estimated and built? Do you communicate well with each other? Breakdowns in communication are one of the leading causes of disenchantment between and client and remodeler. Do you believe there is mutual trust and respect? Once again, remember, it will never get any better than in this first meeting, so follow your instincts.
A contractor’s reputation and track record should also be key criteria in your selection process. Has the contractor won any local, state, regional or national design or building awards? Recognitions of excellence in the industry are indicators of standards of excellence that you want in your contractor. Involvement in professional trade associations is also usually an indicator of qualified contractors. Ask for the list of the company’s past and current involvement in local and state organizations.
You should also verify the contractors’ local and state licenses, workmans’ compensation and liability insurance certificates, as well as proof of established business success. Beyond this, don’t hesitate to check with the Better Business Bureau and the Department of Professional Regulation (DBPR) for any unresolved complaints. And, finally, don’t be afraid to ask for references from the contractors. Each should be happy to provide details with photos of past local jobs for you to review.
This should give you a basic platform from which to begin choosing the contractor that is best for your home remodeling job. But, there’s one last piece of advice. Don’t be disappointed if you have to wait for an initial appointment to interview a contractor. Most qualified professional contractors are busy. That is what you are looking for! It will be worth the wait and certainly worth all your selection efforts to ensure you choose the contractor that is ideally suited to you and your remodeling project.
