Are you planning reno project? Whichever way you go, there are steps you can take to find the right contractor while still keeping your budget – and your sanity – under control. Here are tips to help you find a contractor who will get the job done right.
Know what you want before you get estimates. “Start with a plan and some ideas,” “Don’t start by talking to contractors.” You’ll get a more accurate estimate if you can be very specific in what you want done and the materials you would like to use to make it happen.
Ask friends, relatives and co-workers for references. People in your neighborhood who have done similar projects are your best sources. If you know people in the building trades, ask them, too. Employees of local hardware stores may also be able to provide referrals.
Interview at least three contractors. Ask a lot of questions and get a written bid from each one. When you compare bids, make sure each one includes the same materials and the same tasks, so you’re comparing apples and apples. Get three bids even if you have a contractor you like because you’ll learn something from each interview. “Don’t be afraid to negotiate,” While you might do some haggling at the interview, be prepared to do most of the negotiation after you get the bid and before you sign the contract. Expect a contractor to be too busy to start right away. Choose the right contractor for the right project. Someone who did a good job tiling your neighbor’s bathroom isn’t necessarily the right person to build an addition to your home. You want to find a company that routinely does the kind of project you want done. Check licenses, complaints and litigation history. General contractors and most subcontractors should be licensed. Check references. Talk to both clients and subcontractors, who can tell you if the contractor pays them on time. “See if you can talk to current customers,” because those clients have the most recent experience working with the contractor. Don’t sign a contract for your entire renovation budget. No matter how careful you and the contractor are in preparing for the job, there will be surprises that will add to the cost. “They can’t see through walls’, expect to spend at least 10 percent to 15 percent more than your contract.
Negotiate ground rules. Discuss what hours the contractor can work at your home, what kind of notice you’ll get, what bathroom the workers will use and what will be cleaned up at the end of every workday.