Finding the Contractor Who Puts the ‘Pro’ in Home Improvement!

Finding the Contractor Who Puts the ‘Pro’ in Home Improvement!

So you’ve put aside enough money and vacation days to finally act on that long-held pipe dream of remodeling your kitchen, bathroom or, why not, entire home. Before you lie back in your hammock though, you know you still need to brace yourself for the hardest task yet in the home improvement journey. But you’ve somehow convinced yourself that, with more than 14,000 contractors working in the Philadelphia area alone, the job won’t take that much of a toll on your day-to-day life or put a dent in your me-time. I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but choosing a contractor may just be more of a challenge than you’ve allowed yourself to believe!   Luckily, we have a few tips tailored for just this steep hill that any home owner will have to climb at some point in their life.  

Here’s how to choose the right contractor for your remodel job:

  1. Consult the best-reviewed lists online and ask around for recommendations from friends – A top-notch contractor will be both well-connected and well-reviewed, so look for the sweet spot where these two lists dovetail and there you’ll find your shortlist! 2. Check the contractors’ credentials – Sure, they’ll all talk a big game, but do they have the certifications and awards to back it up? Be sure to check if the contractor’s resume includes an Angie’s List award, or even a coveted spot on Remodeling mag’s Big 50 (Not to brag, but dRemodeling has both feathers in its cap!) 3. Interview the handful of candidates you’re left with after steps 1 and 2 – Grade your potential hires according to how they stack up against this list of must-have contractor traits:  

• Has more than one string to his/her bow: a contractor is both a big-scheme visionary and a detail-oriented project manager. They have to understand your wishes and needs to the letter, as well as provide you with ways of making them happen. They have to be able to draw up several designs that match up and, once you’ve had your final say, come up with the optimal way to realize your choice. At the same time, the seasoned contractor will know the ins and outs of getting permits for the renovation job and take care of this themselves.

• Is on top of the best subcontractors working in the area: your top pick should have a network of capable subcontractors that they can vouch for on speed dial, or else boast of partnerships with providers of materials and an in-house team of workers that can complete the job while saving you a pretty penny.

• Is realistic about the scope of the job and its attendant deadline: remember, lofty promises that sound too good to be true usually are just that. When you hear an interviewee reel off big words like cheap costs, unbeatable quality and quick turnaround time, run like a savvy home owner out of remodeling hell. Consider the Iron Triangle and look for a contractor whose estimates are grounded in reality.

• Is upfront about potential hiccups along the way or unforeseeable expenses that might come up: considering you’re entrusting this person/company with your most valuable asset, your home, you want them to be frank with you from the get-go. Don’t balk at a contractor whose keen eye and extensive experience allows him to assess a project from angles you might not have envisaged yourself. It’s experience-backed honesty that you should value in the person you’ll be handing your house keys over to.

• Is comfortable with putting everything to the last detail in writing: your agreement with the contractor should be made in writing and should contain as many clauses as needed to cover every eventuality. For whatever might arise during the job, addenda must be drawn up, and all purchases along the way must come with receipts that you’ll want copies of.

• Can supply solid references (that you can and must check!): you should be prepared to devote some time to doing a bit of sleuthing. Don’t worry about looking like a busybody because a contractor is, after all, a person you’ll be entrusting with your home. A bit of background checking should be par for the course – check their license and their previous work, as reported on by their previous clients.

  That being said, once you pick your contractor, regardless of how trust-worthy, well-reviewed and experienced they are, you'll still need to check up on their progress every once in a while - so we'd suggest hanging up your hammock for the duration of the remodel job!

☎ CONTACT 

Our A-Team here at dRemodeling is always happy to help with advice on how to get the best value for the money you've set aside for such an important time in your life as a home owner - remodeling – so don’t hesitate to call us!