Selecting a general contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your home renovation. This individual will oversee much of the building process and consult you on every decision throughout the experience. As a result, finding a general contractor that shares your vision is of the utmost importance. To that end, you should also find a professionally equipped contractor. Here are four tips to set you in the right direction.
Only consider contractors who are licensed, bonded, and insured.
This is a basic necessity, but it is important enough to mention it here. A contractor who is licensed, bonded, and insured is also reputable, professional, and proactive. Don’t settle for anything less.
Check their references.
If references aren’t actively advertised on a contractor’s site, ask them for a handful of contacts. Speaking with prior customers is an absolute necessity, as these people can testify to the overall experience of working with the professional. You’ll have a better understanding of their personality, the cost, and the quality of their work. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to visit a home the contractor built. As a note, if your contractor has no references or refuses to provide them, consider another option. This is a big red flag.
Ask about their warranty.
If your contractor has a warranty, they stand behind the quality of their work, their subcontractors, and the products they recommend. If they don’t have a warranty, there might be a reason. Consider another option.
Spend some time on the internet.
See what type of footprint your contractor has left on the internet. Use resources like Houzz, Angie’s List, Facebook, and Yelp to better understand their professionalism and quality of work. Here’s a solid guide from Building Advisor about choosing a general contractor. This is an essential strategy for verifying your confidence in a contractor. If they have little or no internet presence, there might be a reason.