Selecting a Remodeling Contractor

The current economic climate is forcing many homeowners to renovate or repair their existing home rather than purchase a new one. In today's market, protecting or increasing your home's worth is essential. If you are trying to sell your house or just want to stop the decline in the value of your home, selecting the right contractor is an important choice.

Home remodeling is stressful. You probably know someone who has experienced a horror story in the construction industry. I am a Springfield, MO remodeling contractor and have had to "clean-up" nightmares that other so-called experts created. It seems that everyone who has a pickup truck and a hammer these days is my competitor.

Problems I hear about in the market:

• The contractor quoted me a low price for the work, but then demanded additional money to cover materials or work that I had thought was already included.
• The contractor began the work, but then stopped or only worked a few hours per day, so my job was unfinished and useless.
• When I asked for an explanation about a particular issue, I was only given excuses.

In the Springfield, MO region, I had to fix a problem where a kitchen remodeling removed part of a wall that was meant to support weight. In a matter of weeks, the homeowner was unable to open many bedroom doors. The contractor completed all of his work without a permit. In this case, the cost of repairing the problem and satisfying the local building department nearly doubled the project's original cost.

 

The construction industry is full of these horror stories, which is why it's so important to choose the right contractor for you project. Following these guidelines will help you to make sure that your project is a success and that you spend only once on your hard-earned cash.

Before you schedule a home estimate, ask the following questions: Is he licensed? The contractor must have at least a specialty or business license. He will not be able obtain a permit for a new building without it. Is the contractor insured? The liability insurance will protect your home if the contractor makes an error that he can't correct. Is the contractor capable of doing the job? It is difficult to verify experience over the phone. However, the contractor should be able communicate clearly about your project.

The next step is to invite a contractor into your home and ask for a written estimate. The contractor is courteous. Was he on time or did he call to let you know if he would be late? Don't waste your time on an unreliable contractor. This is a sign that the contractor will behave the same way if he gets the job.

You can assess your communication skills with the contractor during this first meeting. The average full-service remodel can take two to six weeks to complete. Will you be able work with the individual for a long time? Are you on the same page with each other? It can be difficult to accurately communicate to a contractor what you want your project to look like. Effective communication at the start is crucial to achieve the desired outcome.

Request a written estimate. A contractor's estimate for your project speaks volumes about them. When I visit customers, I am frequently asked for an "estimate". I politely tell them that it is impossible to guess the exact cost of a particular job. There are no two identical remodeling projects. Other factors affect the price, in addition to labor costs. To create a realistic estimate, it is important to consider all factors, including the material choices, options, damage that needs repair, and design and layout restrictions.

The proposal must be sufficiently detailed to include the following: descriptions of work to be performed, materials to be used, time frame for completion and compensation to be expected by the contractor. Don't even consider a one-page estimate for a large remodeling project. Three sentences are simply not enough to describe my ability to completely remodel your bathroom or finish the basement.

Referrals are the best way to learn about a contractor’s expertise and abilities. Call the references you are given. Some may even invite you to come and see for yourself! You can ask these references for their opinions on the contractor's work, professionalism and if they would recommend them to you. My customers are always happy to share their experiences with me. In fact, I often have to convince prospective clients that they didn't just call my mother.