Finding a good contractor can be a scary process. You’re about to let complete strangers into your home for weeks, months or even years at a time. Hopefully, I can help put you at ease knowing that your best-fit contractor isn’t too far out of reach.
One of the main things I’d like you to grasp by reading this article is the emphasis on the word “YOUR”. There is a bunch of great contractors out there, but which one will fit you the best? Everyone is different so its important to see who is best going to satisfy your wants and needs because the contractor that’s best for you may be different than who is best for your neighbor, your cousin, or your coworker.
With that being said, here are FIVE tips to help you get started:
1. ASK YOUR FRIENDS
More often than not, the people you are friends with share similar values and opinions with you. They have earned your trust and will not look to steer you in the wrong direction. Take advantage of this to ask your friend specific questions that you may not feel comfortable asking your potential contractor. Ask them aspects of the process they liked most, and if there was anything they were not a fan of.
2. RESEARCH
Use the internet to search contractors in your area. See exactly the services they provide and if they have a certain specialty. For example, you wouldn’t hire a custom home builder to install a patio door and vice versa, you wouldn’t hire a handyman to build you your dream home. Be weary of people trying to sell you services they do not do regularly.
Read online reviews and testimonials. If there is a negative one, see how the company handles the review and looks to solve it. Facebook is a good place to look at reviews because people are required to put their name and face behind the words.
3. COMMUNICATE YOUR NEEDS
In my opinion, this one one of the most essentials steps to guaranteeing that your expections will be met, and hopefully exceeded. How is your potential contractor going to know your biggest personal wants and needs if you don’t communicate it to them?
Whatever your biggest concerns are, interview the contractor and ask him or her how they will address each one.
For example, if you have young kids around, ask where and how the tools on the job will be stored. If you have health concerns and are worried about the indoor air quality during construction, ask what measures will be taken for dust containment and how cleanliness is addressed.
Voicing your needs is a great way to feel out each contractor you interview and see what they are willing to do to make the process as seamless as possible.
4. HAVE A PLAN
If a contractor takes the time to plan and develop a detailed scope of work, it often works in your favor. This shows exactly the work to be performed, and often the work that will be excluded. I’m a firm believer in that planning up front, saves money and headaches later on.
Depending on the scope of the project, look to hire an architect or interior designer to assist. These will help the contractor dial in exactly what it is that you are envisioning as your final product.
More often than not, the best contractors in your area will not be available to start immediately, but pre-construction planning can make use of your down time waiting for the project to start. Ironing out any important details and selections early on will make it less stressful for you in the long run.
5. TRUST YOUR GUT
After conducting interviews with potential contractors, reflect on which ones you felt the most connected with. Its important to find a company that shares the same ethos and values with you.
When you have a contractor look at your project, consider having family members join in on the process. This will also help them get an overall better feel of who they will possibly be seeing on a daily basis.
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These are just a few tips to help you on your way. Be sure to follow #2 and do your due diligence.
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. I’d love to hear any suggestions on topics you’d like to see covered!
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