Home renovations can transform the look and functionality of your home and increase its value. When you are prepared to move forward with your project, you need to choose the right remodeling contractor to handle the work. Regardless of the size and scope of your remodeling project, the contractor you choose can make the difference between achieving the results you want versus leaving you with substandard work that requires repairs. You want to find an experienced remodeling contractor that provides quality work, keeps open communication lines, performs as promised, and helps you to realize your dreams. Here are five essential tips to consider when you are looking to hire a remodeling contractor in your area.

1. Do Some Research

Before you interview prospective contractors, you should do some research on both your planned project and the individuals you consider. For your project, you should have a clear idea of the results you want to accomplish and your available budget. Your budget should be realistic and accurately reflect what you can afford to spend.

For prospective contractors, you should search for people who have experience handling projects of similar sizes and types. Potential contractors should be able to show you some samples of their work and provide you with some references from past clients. Make sure the contractor you hire is licensed, bonded, and insured.

Familiarize yourself with some industry qualifications and certifications. The contractors you consider might include abbreviations behind their names indicating they belong to national trade organizations or have desirable certifications that require them to follow strict ethical codes. For example, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) provides education and the following certifications:

  • Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPs) – Certification indicating the contractor has the skills and training needed to complete home modifications designed to facilitate older adults to age in place
  • Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) – Certification indicating the contractor has at least five years of experience and the skills and training necessary for completing all types of remodeling projects

Make sure that you hire a contractor who is licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask to see the contractor’s license rather than relying on their word. Note the license number and name associated with the license, and verify it with your state’s licensing board to check that it is valid and in good standing. You should also verify the contractor’s insurance so that you won’t be on the hook if one of their employees is injured while working on your project.

Finally, verify that the person you are considering has a bond for contractors. A licensed contractor will likely have a contractor bond as a condition of licensing. In addition to the license bond, you might also want to consider requiring the contractor you hire to purchase the following types of bonds:

  • Performance bond – Bond guaranteeing the contractor will perform work under the contract as promised
  • Payment bond – Bond guaranteeing the contractor will pay subcontractors and suppliers to prevent potential mechanic’s liens against your property

Surety bonds protect you. If the contractor violates the law or fails to perform as promised, you can file a bond claim to recoup your losses. Subcontractors and suppliers that are not timely paid can similarly file bond claims instead of mechanic’s liens against your property to recover what they are owed.

2. Explain Your Goals

When you meet with a potential remodeling contractor, explain your project goals from the smallest details to the final results you desire. Make sure to ask questions, including how the contractor will keep you informed throughout the project. You want to make sure the contractor you hire is someone who has good communication lines and understands the vision you have. Make sure you choose a contractor who has substantial experience handling remodeling projects and who you feel that you can trust.

3. Interview Several Contractors

You should interview a few contractors before deciding who to hire for your project. Get recommendations from your friends, acquaintances, and professionals in your area. After you have identified a few contractors who appear qualified and capable, interview each one. Be prepared with questions about their past projects, whether they can pull required permits, their license, bonds, and insurance, and whether they believe they can meet your project goals within your budget. You should also ask how long they believe it will take to complete the job.

During the interview, pay attention to how they answer your questions to listen for indicators of professionalism and confidence. Make sure the contractor you choose is someone you trust to come into your home and has the skills to complete your project.

4. Communicate Your Budget and Get Quotes

Your remodeling contractor needs precise information about the work you want to be completed and how much money you can pay. Being clear about your budget can help your remodeling contractor to give you a quote and help you understand whether your budget is realistic for the work you want to be done.

If you need to minimize your upfront cost, you and the contractor can agree to break your project into several phases. While this might make your project longer, it might be easier on your budget by spreading the costs as the contractor meets each milestone.

Once you have gathered quotes from the contractors on your shortlist, you should understand that the lowest quote might not be the best choice. Ask about each deliverable and its associated timeline. You should also ask the contractors to give you a written, detailed list of the materials they will need to complete the job. If one quote is substantially lower than the others, it might indicate the contractor has failed to include something in their calculations, is unlicensed, cuts corners, or uses substandard materials. Check the contractors’ references before moving forward.

5. Hire Your Contractor and Ensure Your Contract is in Writing

Many home remodeling contractors don’t hire subcontractors, but others do, depending on the scope and requirements of your project. You should make sure that your contract is in writing and includes all of the details and requirements for your project.

At a minimum, your written remodeling contract should include the following information:

  • Timelines and milestones
  • Total cost
  • How payments will be handled
  • The contractor’s license number
  • Required bonds
  • Detailed description of your project
  • How additional costs will be handled
  • Names of each party involved
  • Completion date
  • How disruptions will be handled
  • Insurance requirements
  • Types of materials to be used

Make sure to remain organized. Keep a copy of the contract, all receipts, invoices, canceled checks, and your contractor’s contact information together in a file in case you need to refer to them. Ask your contractor to communicate important things to you in writing, and retain copies of all of your communications as well.

Completing a remodeling project can be exciting. A good remodeling contractor can bring your vision to life and provide you with top-quality results. Making sure to hire the right remodeling contractor for your project can make all the difference in its outcome.