A major project like renovating a house requires planning, organization and knowledge. You could have a disastrous project or a miserable experience. Are you unsure how to find the right contractor for your job? Begin by conducting a thorough search. This includes asking for word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors and searching digital marketplaces like Angie’s List or Houzz.
General contractors are not cheap, but they can make your home renovations smoother and more successful. It’s unlikely that the homeowner will have enough time to manage subcontractors (e.g., electricians, plumbers, etc.). We are confident that you will find more involved in renovating a house than HGTV might have you believe. A general contractor with experience should be able to manage all aspects of a home renovation. This includes subcontractors, inspection approvals, permits, and other building requirements. In 7 simple steps, here’s how you can choose the right contractor for the job.
How do you choose the right contractor for your job?
Obtain multiple bids
You will need at least three bids from contractors. Never accept a bid by phone. You should meet the contractors face-to-face and walk them through your home. It is important to have a walk-through of the home with the contractor. This will allow you to get a precise cost estimate. It is a good idea for you to give the contractor a detailed list of all the changes you would like to make to your home. This will help you get the best possible bid. Compare the offers and estimates once you have received bids. Ask why a bid is so high or low compared to other bids.
Take into account the specific needs of your project.
It’s important to look beyond the cost to see what specialized projects the contractor is involved in. Ask the contractor about his/her previous experience. Reputable contractors should be able to show you references and photos from previous projects. Consider the needs of the project. Do you want to remodel a single room or your entire house? Are you looking for someone with experience in landscaping and dry scaping? How about someone familiar with renovating wood-frame homes versus concrete-block houses? When you’re trying to determine which contractor is right for you, these are questions to ask. If a contractor has only experience in renovating kitchens, and you need an outdoor patio built or renovated, that contractor might not be right for the job.
Pay attention to their communication style.
Pay attention to the way they communicate with you when interviewing contractors. Also, pay attention to their communication style when interviewing contractors. Do they prefer email or phone? Do they respond quickly to all inquiries, or are they slow to reply? Do not hire a contractor who is slow to respond or who doesn’t reply to your texts and calls for long periods of time. If you prefer to speak in person, make sure that the contractor is available to meet at your home. Be aware of the communication style they use with clients. Is the contractor assertive or passive? Are they assertive or passive?
Take into account their availability
What is the availability of the contractor? You will likely pay more if the contractor is highly sought after. You may also have to wait for them to finish other projects before they can take on your home remodel. Extremely busy contractors might try to price out your project by offering a very high bid. It is important to remember that contractors in high demand may also be skilled at their jobs (and it might be worth the wait). You will need to look for a more available contractor if you are looking for someone who can get started on your project quickly.
Verify that the contractor is insured and licensed.
Contractors must be licensed and insured to avoid being scammed, ripped off, or sued. If a worker or subcontractor is injured on the job, you could be held responsible. A contractor’s insurance must cover property damage and bodily injury. Many contractors claim to have insurance and are licensed, but they don’t. You want to ensure you hire a licensed and reputable contractor. To confirm the residential contractor in Chicago IL is licensed, check with your local government.
Meet their subcontractors and team
Remember that you will be dealing with the contractor’s subcontractors and team daily. Ask the contractor who they use for specific renovation projects when interviewing them. If you renovate an entire house, you will likely need multiple service professionals such as electricians, plumbers and HVAC professionals. As you would for your contractor, you will want to be as thorough with your subcontractors. Ask about the contractor’s management style. Do they oversee all aspects of the renovation personally? What is their time spent supervising subcontractors? Do they do background checks on all subcontractors?
Refer to reviews
Be sure to read reviews about contractors. To find out more about a contractor’s complaint history and customer reviews, we recommend that you first search for their Better Business Bureau profile. The BBB states that “BBB Accredited Business” means “BBB-accredited businesses make a commitment not only to maintain accreditation standards but also to build trust and tell the truth, be transparent with customers, honour their promises, protect privacy, embody integrity, and be responsive to customers.” You can also ask local references to call the contractor.
Are you ready to move?
You will need the right movers to help you move into your newly renovated home. Moving.com has a large network of reliable movers. It’s easy to find the right moving company and book them through our website. You can be sure that all the relocation companies in our network have insurance and are licensed. All the best and happy moving!
Mike the One Inc.
401 S LaSalle St., Chicago, IL, 60605
(224)-766-6249
