Remodel: Put A New Spin On Your Home! - Part 3 of 3 - Hiring The Right Contractor

There are probably a few things you'd like to change about your home. Perhaps you want to put hardwood flooring into the dining room or add a marble countertop to the kitchen. It could be a project as major as finishing an attic or something as simple as changing the wallpaper in one room. If you love your home but have some lingering improvement ideas, you may be ready for a remodel. This series focuses on proper preparation for remodelling your home:

The is the third of a 3-part series taken from our August Newsletter that was e-mailed to all registered subscribers, via our RE/MAX of New Jersey web site. We are looking at home remodeling-related topics:

Should You Do It Yourself? (Part 1)
Projecting Costs (Part 2)
Hiring The Right Contractor (Part3)

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Hiring The Right Contractor

A successful remodel project begins with the selection of a good contractor. Professional, reliable contractors will bring your remodel dream to reality. Bad contractors are responsible for the kinds of remodel stories that can give a homeowner nightmares. Thorough research and careful evaluation will enable you to make the right choice.

The search begins
Browsing through the yellow pages for a contractor is little better than drawing a name out of a hat. To find desirable contractors you must first find people familiar with their work. Ask for contractor referrals from friends, neighbors, or colleagues who've finished remodel projects. Were they satisfied with their experience? Your local building supply store or home center may also be able to make suggestions. If all else fails, you can still turn to the phone book as a last resort.

Experience counts
While new contractors may certainly be entirely capable, screening based on experience is a sound way to protect your investment. Choose a contractor with at least five years of experience relevant to your project.

License to build
Check to see if the contractors you're considering are licensed by the state. This step weeds out unlicensed amateurs, and many states or local business bureaus have contractor complaints on file by license number.

Financial stability
Good contractors should be willing to fill out a credit application (you can use a form from your bank as a guide). Verifying a contractor's bank standing will ensure that they're not depending on your down payment to finish a previous project.

Insurance
General contractors should carry both worker's compensation and general liability insurance. Get copies of policies from the contractor's insurance company.

Previous work
While most contractors will provide photos and/or videos of past projects, it's preferable to get a first-hand look. Contractors should be happy to refer you to previous clients, and homeowners who've had remodel work done are typically happy to show their homes. At the very least, contact one or two previous clients to gauge their overall satisfaction.

Work habits
What are their regular work hours? How do they deal with delays? Will the contractor be on-site, or will a project manager handle the day-to-day duties?

Before the bids
The more general you are in your planning, the wider the range of bids you're likely to receive. Creating detailed project specifications will make for more accurate bids from contractors. Accurate specifications of all materials can be made by yourself or with the help of a professional designer.

The bids
Having your own estimated cost sheet will help you assess the bids you receive from contractors. Be wary if you receive one bid that is far below the average of other bids. This could be the sign of a contractor who is desperate for your business.

The contract
Most contractors will have their own contract forms. Call for a re-written or new negotiated contract if you find areas that are lacking or items that have not been addressed. Things you should be looking for include: payment schedules, timeline of work, safety/worker conduct provisions, and provisions for project cleanup. Always specify that you and the contractor must approve all changes, and note the fees associated with changes made after the contract date. If you have difficulty sifting through the legal wording of the contract, employ the help of your attorney.

Overall considerations
The contractor you hire will greatly determine the outcome of the project for your home. He or she will also be someone you deal with on a frequent basis throughout the near future. You should feel comfortable both with a contractor's abilities and the way in which they interact with you. Good communication and trust are the most important parts of the contractor-client relationship.

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