Renovating your house is a major project that requires knowledge, organization, and preparation. Everything rests on the contract you choose, and their experience matters… A LOT! Word-of-mouth is a great way to find a reliable contractor, but there are factors you need to consider.
From subcontractor work to obtaining permits, inspection removals, and more, you need to focus on multiple things to ensure the project proceeds smoothly and finishes successfully.
We have developed a 6-step process to ease the burden that will help you hire a trustworthy housing contractor. Let’s begin:
Step #1 Get Multiple Bids from housing contractors
The first thing you need to do is get bids from at least three contractors. Do not accept them over the phone. An in-person meeting will allow the contractor to inspect the land and property. That way, they are more likely to give a precise cost estimate. Moreover, you can share any worries you have or ask about any changes you would like to make.
Step #2 Choose a Contractor Based on Your Project’s Needs
Let’s say that you are planning to redesign a wing of your house. Ensure the contractor you hire has handled such projects and ask for photos for reference. Depending on your house’s model, you might need to look for someone who has worked specifically in wood-frame or concrete-block homes.
Every contractor has a specialty, which tends to be their unique selling point. After finding out what that is and looking at their portfolio, decide.
Step #3 Pay Attention to Their Communication Style
- Did the contractor speak over you?
- Did they try to insert their opinion in the middle of the conversation?
- Do they keep shooting down your ideas?
- Do they respond slowly?
A contractor who ignores your calls is not someone you want to hire. If they have given you a deadline, hold them to it and make sure they communicate with you about any delays or changes. Permission is first and foremost, and without it, your contractor should not do anything.
Step #4 Ask About Their Availability
A distracted contractor will make mistakes while working on your project. Do not hire someone whose schedule does not allow them to table in another project. Yes, they are high in demand, so you chose them. Still, what good they will be if your project gets delayed from a month to three.
Step #5 Ask for a License and Insurance
Do we even need to mention this? If you don’t want to get ripped off, we suggest that you ask for the contractor’s license and whether they have insurance or not before hiring them. You don’t want to be held liable for any bodily harm that might occur on your property. Moreover, the homeowner’s association can be vicious when it comes to housing projects with renovations that don’t have permits.
Step #6 Check Reviews Online for the housing contractors
Last but not least are the reviews. Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a trusted marketplace where you can determine the contractor’s reliability you are hiring. They are known for being honest and transparent. We suggest you do a profile check there before making any decisions.
And that’s how you hire a reliable contractor! Keep in mind that your budget and reviews about the contractor are the two most important things you need to consider when hiring them.
Sky Building Materials is one of Dallas’s leading mirror and glass companies, offering quality glass supplies for residential and commercial applications. To get in touch with them, call 972-807-9616.