If a DIY renovation is not your style, no vendor is more important than a contractor you can trust to execute your design vision. Follow this advice to find the pro who will transform your current house into your dream home.
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1. Ask for professional referrals. It may be a knee-jerk reaction to ask friends and family for referrals, but a professional opinion from a tradesperson you already work with could provide better insight. "While a friend may have been satisfied with a contractor, their project may have required different expertise," said Debra Cohen, Home Remedies® of NY. "Tradespeople (electricians, painters, plumbers) deal with other contractors repeatedly and are in a much better position to make a recommendation."
2. Interview like a pro. The thorough interview process will provide insight if a contractor is the right fit for your renovation. Remodeling is a huge financial and time investment, so conduct a professional interview. "When interviewing your contractor, use the same skills you would use when interviewing someone at work," says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. Some of Angie's recommended interview questions are listed below.
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Photo: Courtesy of Angie's List/HomeFinder.com
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3. Look for transparency. Find a contractor who is willing to discuss every detail of your project with you. Dean Bennett, president of Dean Bennett Design and Construction, says, "Ask your contractor to write down all the steps of your project, with figures, a full schedule and timeline." Bennett also suggests discussing worst-case scenarios before you hire. "A good contractor should be able to outline potential pitfalls that may arise. If the contractor can't or won't provide this information, beware."
4. Verify qualifications. When searching for a contractor, confirm licenses and verifications before making any hiring decisions. "Check with your Contractors State License Board to determine if your contractor's license is active and in good-standing," says Jody Costello, ContractorsFromHell.com. Also, consider working with a contractor who has liability and builders risk insurance. Debra Cohen says, "I'd recommend hiring a contractor with a minimum of $1 million in general liability insurance."
5. Make sure communication is jargon free. Contractors should create a positive working relationship through open communication. Mark Clement, co-host of MyFixItUpLife, says contractors should be able to communicate with you freely. "Being able to explain projects in terms you understand without drowning you in jargon indicates a technical acumen and business know-how," says Clements.
6. Match your personality type. Personality type will play a huge role in how well you work with your contractor. Be upfront with how involved you would like to be during the renovation. "Some homeowners like to be involved in every decision and some prefer to leave the job to the experts," says Cohen. "The best way to determine if a contactor's personality is the right fit for your job is to ask how comfortable they are with customer involvement."
7. Trust your gut. Nothing is a stronger indicator on whether to hire a contractor than your gut instinct. Search elsewhere if you are uncomfortable handing them the keys to your home. If you are second-guessing your intuition, dig deeper into their background. Monica Higgins, founder of Renovation Planners, says, "I advise homeowners to check criminal, financial and legal backgrounds as well as client and trade references to get a real sense of whether a contractor is dependable."
Make the most of your home renovation budget by checking out this Room-by-Room Renovation Guide for insider remodeling tips.
A version of this story originally appeared on HomeFinder.com, a digital real estate site that offers an easy to navigate home search experience. Whether you are at home or on-the-go, HomeFinder.com makes it simple to find your new home.
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