You have decided to go ahead and remodel your old 1978 Harvest Gold kitchen.
What’s the next step? Vetting a good contactor or remodeler.
They are key to a successful remodel that works within the scope of your project and most importantly, your budget. Vetting is NOT the lowest price although I get calls weekly looking for just that. Price and value are not the same thing.
What’s the next step? Vetting a good contactor or remodeler.
They are key to a successful remodel that works within the scope of your project and most importantly, your budget. Vetting is NOT the lowest price although I get calls weekly looking for just that. Price and value are not the same thing.
Ask for references. Yes, ask for clients that they have actually done similar jobs for. Then actually contact them. I would prefer an email, so they never feel caught off guard.
Check reviews on their website or Facebook page. Be cautious if they don't have either one. Google them to see if they are being under investigation for fraud or any unprofessional act that could cause issues with your project.
Check with the BBB, Better Business Bureau.
Be sure to hire one that is insured and licensed. Some of the best contractors may not be licensed. They may not need to be for the type work they do. If you are getting financing, the lender will most always want your contractor to be licensed. They need to cover themselves just in case. "CYA".
Get a few (3) estimates to compare. See if you trust this person and can effectively communicate with them.
Are they creative problem solvers? Or do they create more issues to up their fee?
Do they do what they say? Are they late for an appointment? Did they call to let you know? These are common courtesies that should be good business practice.
Do they look relatively clean and sober? Does their work truck, van look like it would pass inspection? Or does it look like the contractor is living in it?
Lastly NEVER give a contractor the full amount of money up front. They may leave and you will never see them again. You may be on the 10:00 news a victim of a scam. They should be working on a "Draw", a small portion to start the project and take more money as the project progresses.
Vetting a contractor is a lot like dating. Meet & Greet. Find compatibility. Build trust. Take the plunge. Make a working relationship. Make a beautiful project that you are both proud of!
Check reviews on their website or Facebook page. Be cautious if they don't have either one. Google them to see if they are being under investigation for fraud or any unprofessional act that could cause issues with your project.
Check with the BBB, Better Business Bureau.
Be sure to hire one that is insured and licensed. Some of the best contractors may not be licensed. They may not need to be for the type work they do. If you are getting financing, the lender will most always want your contractor to be licensed. They need to cover themselves just in case. "CYA".
Get a few (3) estimates to compare. See if you trust this person and can effectively communicate with them.
Are they creative problem solvers? Or do they create more issues to up their fee?
Do they do what they say? Are they late for an appointment? Did they call to let you know? These are common courtesies that should be good business practice.
Do they look relatively clean and sober? Does their work truck, van look like it would pass inspection? Or does it look like the contractor is living in it?
Lastly NEVER give a contractor the full amount of money up front. They may leave and you will never see them again. You may be on the 10:00 news a victim of a scam. They should be working on a "Draw", a small portion to start the project and take more money as the project progresses.
Vetting a contractor is a lot like dating. Meet & Greet. Find compatibility. Build trust. Take the plunge. Make a working relationship. Make a beautiful project that you are both proud of!
RSS Feed
