Home remodeling conjures up excitement and a little trepidation for most homeowners. On one hand, remodeling can increase your home’s value and provide you with a beautiful environment customized for your family. On the other hand, choosing the wrong professional for remodeling services can leave you with horrible results and wasted money.
This is why choosing the right home remodeler is important. You’re looking for experience in your type of project, reliability, and professionalism. You also want to choose a professional that you feel comfortable working with.
And ensuring that you choose a home remodeling contractor will make everything go as smoothly as possible. They are used to working in occupied homes and will work to protect your space and respect your privacy. Here we’ll help you in making this big decision with tips and things to consider when hiring a home remodeler.
Types of Remodeling
There are several types of remodeling. It’s important that you know what you’re looking for and what they specialize in. Ken Spears handles bathroom, exterior, and kitchen remodeling. They also offer room additions. Make sure you choose a remodeler that has expertise in the type of job you’re working on.
Why do You Need a Professional?
Even when you’re working on a small renovation project it’s best to hire a licensed contractor. They have the training and skills to handle a job of any size. When you hire a contractor, you know that your job is being handled to code, within budget, on deadline, and safely. It’s necessary when you’re handling electricity, plumbing, or when you need professionals from different specializations to hire a contractor.
Finding a Home Remodeler
When looking for a home remodeler, you may want to start looking for referrals within your circle. You can then head over to HomeAdvisor and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of contractors from which to choose.
Check Their Professional Experience
Once you have a list, visit their websites. View their portfolios to see the work they have completed. Look through their work and check testimonials and reviews. Check out their social media accounts and look through the content they post. Google reviews are also a good place to find out what their clients experience when working with them. Check their rating with the Better Business Bureau. When you see complaints, consider if they seem valid and how the complaints were resolved.
Remodelers are required to have a state-issued contractor license in most states. Each state has an online state licensing page. There you will be able to check for licensing and if any claims have been made against them. Ask them for information about their general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, as well as bonding.
How Much Time Will My Project Take?
The time your project will take depends on how complicated the job is. You need to ask ahead of time just how long the project will take. If you have a certain date that you would like the project to be complete by, let them know and make sure that you have this in the contract. Nail down what hours they will be working in the house and let them know if there are times that you need to be away while the project is being completed.
Meeting the Remodeler
With your list narrowed down from your research, it’s time to make a phone call to each contractor and ask them:
- Do they handle the type of project you want to do?
- Do they handle projects the size of yours?
- Do they have references to provide?
- How many projects would they be working on at the same time?
Narrow down your list after making these calls and meet your next candidates face to face. Here you’ll get a chance to find out if you communicate well together.
Check Their Availability
It’s time to find out if they have room in their schedule for your job. Ask how many jobs they are working on and if they will interfere with your project. Let your contractor know when you need the work to be done and remember to put this information in the contract.
Will they Work on a Project of this Size?
Ask them how many jobs they have completed that are like yours. If your job involves electrical or plumbing work, you need to know that they have expertise in this kind of work. Also, ask about the team that will be working on your project. Are they employees or subcontractors? Will you have the same workers in your home each day.
How Much Will It Cost?
When considering remodeling prices, remember that the cheap often comes out expensive. So, it’s not always the best choice to choose the cheaper option. The money you save will have to be paid out later to another professional to correct any issues left by a subpar contracting job.
But before you look into the pricing make sure your remodeler knows exactly what the project entails, you’ve verified their credentials, and that you’ve discussed the timeline. When given a quote look for the breakdown of the costs for materials, labor, and their profits.
Establish Payment Terms
Determine the payment schedule. Usually, large projects require 10% at the time you sign the contract, three payments of 25% of the project spaced throughout the timeline of the work, and the final 15% upon competition.
Complete the Written Contract
When completing the contract, make sure it includes how to make any changes. Detail their proof of insurance, timelines, and licenses and permits required. The payment schedule should also be included. The completed contract should be signed by both parties.
Now that you’re prepared for the decision-making process it’s time to get started. Using these tips, you’ll be able to find the best home remodeler for your home. Ken Spears Construction checks all the boxes for reputable, professional, and expert remodeling services. They have been offering quality home renovations for DeKalb and Kane County for 45 years and would love to help you make your home the home of your dreams.
