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Renovating your home or expanding it with a new addition is a big decision. Whether you are looking to add a sunroom, expand your garage, or add additional living space, you want to know that the contractor you choose is right for you and your project. For many homeowners, finding a contractor is a new and intimidating process. However, by following the suggestions below, you can improve your chances of finding the best contractor for your project.
One of your best resources is quality recommendations from your trusted friends and acquaintances. By asking for recommendations from people you know who have recently undergone a home renovation or addition you can quickly compile a list of 3–5 potential contractors to investigate further.
If possible, ask questions about not only their overall satisfaction and the quality of the finished work but also about the contractor’s responsiveness, communication style, and professionalism. How often did they receive updates from the contractor? Was it easy to have their questions answered by the contractor? Was work completed on schedule and on budget? Answering these questions at this stage can give you a head start in selecting the right contractor for your project.
Once you’ve identified a handful of contractors you’ll want to begin selecting the best one for you using an interview process. We recommend that you contact each contractor and schedule a meeting with them to walk through your home, go over the details of your project, and provide you with a bid but also allow them the opportunity to ask you some questions.
As you meet with each contractor, observe their communication style. Do they listen to you and ask clarifying questions as needed? Do they explain technical details and jargon to ensure that you both are on the same page? Will this be someone you are comfortable communicating with during your project? These questions can be good indicators of a contractor who will be a good first for you.
Additionally, we recommend asking the following questions? What is the contractor’s preferred communication method? How frequently will they communicate with you about the progress of your project? How should you communicate any questions, concerns, or change orders during the project?
Be sure to get a list of references from each contractor and follow up with them. You can ask each reference questions similar to those you asked your friends and family. Your questions should focus on what it was like to work and communicate with the contractor as well as any issues they may have had during their projects. In order to get the most out of these conversations, you should dig deeper than just their overall experience.
Remember that your contractor is providing a service and not just a product. Therefore, you want to know that they will provide excellent customer service both during and after project completion. How frequently will they be providing updates on the project? What does their final walkthrough/approval process look like? What sort of warranty (if any) do they provide?
You want to ensure that your contractor is qualified to complete the job. A good place to start is ensuring that they are properly licensed and insured for your area. This is critical because otherwise you might be liable if a worker is injured while working on your property. Further, unless they are properly licensed, a contractor may not know the proper paperwork that needs to be completed to have your addition meet building codes.
Additionally, you can and should verify the contractor’s status with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as well as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of Homebuilders. These associations pride themselves in helping homeowners just like you find professional contractors who provide quality service.
If you are ready to expand or renovate your home, contact Premier Construction Services today for a free consultation and bid. We are eager to hear your ideas and work with you to bring your vision to reality. As a BBB Accredited Business, we provide custom residential renovation, addition, and remodel services throughout the Greater Des Moines Metropolitan area. Contact us today to get started or view our custom room additions.