Before You Hire a Remodeling Professional
Have you been perusing Pinterest and collecting ideas for a remodel? Are you finding inspiration to finally figure out what to do with that empty room? If so, you have probably been thinking about hiring a remodeling professional. There are many things that can make your remodeling experience either a dream-come-true, or a complete nightmare. Finding the right company to work with is the first step toward a positive remodeling experience.
Here are a few things to look for prior to hiring a remodeling professional:
Are they Licensed, Bonded & Insured?
For your protection, your remodeling professional needs to be licensed, bonded, and insured. A bond serves as an agreement between you, the contractor, and the issuing agent. This bond ensures that the contractor will complete the job according to the agreed terms. Any reputable remodeler will carry two kinds of insurance, a general liability and workers’ compensation. General liability covers damages to your home. While, workers compensation pays anyone who is injured on the job.
It is the job of your remodeling professional to build confidence with you. Meaning, your remodeler should be honest with you and offer up their license, bonds, and insurance without your request. However, if they don’t, make sure you ask to see it all. You don’t want an experience like this homeowner to happen to you!
Community Involvement
Great companies don’t just serve themselves. They serve the communities they live in. Volunteering and community involvement shows you their motives are deeper than just generating
Before You Hire a Remodeling Professional
Have you been perusing Pinterest and collecting ideas for a remodel? Are you finding inspiration to finally figure out what to do with that empty room? If so, you’re probably thinking about hiring a remodeling professional. The right company can make your remodeling experience a dream come true, while the wrong one can turn it into a nightmare. Finding the right company is the first step toward a positive remodeling experience.
Here are a few essential things to look for before hiring a remodeling professional:
Are They Licensed, Bonded & Insured?
Your remodeling professional must be licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. A bond ensures the contractor will complete the job according to agreed terms. Reputable remodelers carry two types of insurance: general liability and workers’ compensation. General liability covers damages to your home, while workers’ compensation pays anyone injured on the job.
Your remodeler should build confidence with you by being honest and offering their license, bonds, and insurance without your request. If they don’t, make sure you ask to see it all. Avoid situations where you might end up with an unreliable contractor.
Community Involvement
Great companies don’t just serve themselves; they serve their communities. Volunteering and community involvement show their motives go beyond generating business. If you can’t find their community work online, ask them how they help their community. This will reveal a lot about the company’s values.
Online Reviews
Online reviews are crucial when choosing a remodeling professional. While asking your neighbors for referrals can be helpful, online reviews give more detailed insights into what it’s like to work with a company. Reviews on platforms like Houzz are verified and tend to be comprehensive, providing a clear picture of homeowners’ experiences.
Beware of Online Referral Networks
Homeowners should be cautious with online referral networks like HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, and Angie’s List. These are paid networks where contractors pay to be listed. These networks usually gather minimal background information on contractors, typically only confirming that the contractor’s license is current. For reliable reviews, look to platforms like Houzz or Google.
Check Out Their Website and Online Presence
A company’s website and digital presence can reveal a lot about them. A little research goes a long way. You can get a feel for their culture, operations, and the kind of people who work there. Use Google to search for articles about their community involvement, press representation, and any accolades they have achieved. A few clicks can tell you if they’re a good match.
Personal Interview & Reference Checks
Face-to-face meetings are often the best way to determine if you want to work with a specific company. Meet with them and ask questions. After the meeting, check their references. Talk to their employees and trade partners to ensure consistency in their message. Ultimately, you want to work with a company you trust and feel good about.
Still have more questions about the remodeling process? Download our Remodeling Survival Guide to learn everything you need to know about your project. Learn more about our process here.