Remodeling Contractors

Selecting a quality remodeling contractor can be a daunting task.  The success of your home renovation project and how satisfied you are with the project will depend on which remodeling contractor you hire.  Hiring the best remodeling contractors is critical.  We have compiled a list of items to help assist you in finding the right remodeling contractor for your home renovation project.

Remodeling Contractors Hiring Tips

1. Ask for and review a list of references.

Contractor Community’s members have the option of listing client references.  Check a prospective remodeling contractor’s web page for a list of references.  In addition to reading the previous clients’ comments, take time to contact several of these references directly.  Also, if possible, visit one of the previous clients personally, either by yourself or with the remodeling contractor.  There are several references you should check if possible.  Three types of references you should check are listed below:

§         Clients within the past 12 months or a current job in progress

§         Clients within the past 3 years

§         Clients beyond 3 years

Through contracting references from each of the above categories, you will be able to get a good assessment of the potential remodeling contractor and his work and working relationship with clients as well as his work warranty.

2. Have a list of questions prepared for calling/visiting references. 

• How does the client reference rate the quality of workmanship?
• How well did the remodeling contractor stay on budget given the original work estimate?  (Keep in mind that the client might have added onto the work so verify if there were any change orders instigated by the client.)
• Did the remodeling contractor complete the work in a timely manner?
• Was the client pleased with the remodeling contractor’s attitude when problems arose during the course of the project?
• What did the client think of the subcontractors or other workers on the job?
• Was the job site kept clean and safe?
• Was the remodeling contractor on site to supervise?
• Would the client use the remodeling contractor again?

3. Ease of Communication.

When interviewing a potential remodeling contractor, you should feel comfortable speaking with him or her.  Good communication is paramount between you and your remodeling contractor when undergoing one of the largest investments you can make.  By clearly communicating your creative ideas, asking the appropriate questions, and listening to the contractor’s solutions, you will know if he or she is the right remodeling contractor for your project.

4. Lowest bid isn’t always the best bid.

Getting several bids is a must when undertaking a large remodeling project.  However, do not simply hire the remodeling contractor with the lowest bid.  Compare the bids to determine where they differ.  For example, is one remodeling contractor’s bid low in material price compared to the other estimates?  Also, if a remodeling contractor submits a bid for a significantly lower price than the others, who are more comparable, then you might wonder if that remodeling contractor with the lowest bid builds inferior work.  Sometimes a low bid could be a mistake on the part of the remodeling contractor.  Before hiring a remodeling contractor, make sure you fully compare all factors – bid price, references, communication, and professionalism.

5. How long has the remodeling contractor been in business?

Ideally, hire a remodeling contractor who has been in business for five years or more.  A remodeling contractor with five or more years of experience is more likely to have a strong business base and financial solvency. 

6. Verify insurance.

For your protection, verify that your remodeling contractor carries the right insurances.  A remodeling contractor should have the following types of insurance:

§         General Liability Insurance

§         Automobile Insurance

§         Worker’s Compensation Insurance – if your remodeling contractor has employees

§         Bond insurance related to the contractor’s specific license – required in states where a remodeling contractor is required to have a license

To further ensure you are protected from potential legal problems, ask your remodeling contractor to add you and your property to his or her certificate of insurance.  The manner in which you receive a copy of the certificate of insurance is also important.  You should receive the certificate of insurance, with you and your property named as additional insured, directly from the remodeling contractor’s insurance agency.  This scenario ensures that the certificate is valid.

7. Does the remodeling contractor continue his or her education?

Hire a remodeling contractor that places emphasis on staying abreast of current building laws and techniques.  Remodeling contractors who attend continuing education courses in the trades will be better qualified to build your remodeling project.

8. Is your remodeling contractor a member of an applicable trade association?

Membership in an applicable trade association indicates that a remodeling contractor takes the initiative to stay current with industry standards and business practices.  A trade association affiliation is particularly important in states that don’t require licensing of contractors.

9. Check to see if your remodeling contractor needs a license, and if so, if the license is valid.

Check your state’s licensing requirements by clicking here:  www.contractors-license.org.  Check your state’s licensing agency to ensure that the remodeling contractor’s license is valid and in good standing.  If your state does not require a license, examine the how long the remodeling contractor has been in business as well as any trade association memberships, references and continuing education as alternatives to licensure.

10. Ensure that your contract has a dispute resolution system stipulated

Hire a remodeling contractor who clearly states in his or her contract how disputes will be resolved.  A dispute resolution clause should call for mediation or arbitration as both methods are quicker and more inexpensive resolution methods than a court case.