How to Find and Hire a Good Contractor

Remodeling can be a great way to make your home more comfortable and suited to your style — not to mention it could improve your home’s value.

Are you considering a renovation? If so, finding the right contractor is vital, both for your budget and to ensure the finished project is high-quality and done the right way.

If you’re unsure where to start on your contractor search, follow these tips to find a good fit.

• Get referrals from people you know. Generally, the best place to start is with those you trust. Has a friend or neighbor had renovations done lately? Would they use their contractor again? If so, get the pro’s number and add them to your list of candidates.
  
• Research potential contractors online. Don’t just trust a company’s website for customer reviews. There are plenty of third-party sites where you can check out online reviews and ratings — good or bad.
  
• Interview several different candidates. Ask potential hires about their experience, licensing and insurance, as well as their portfolio and past work. In addition, you should get the contact info of some recent clients so you can ask about their project and their experience with the pro.
  
• Compare contractor bids. Finally, once you have it narrowed down to a few potential contractors, ask for detailed bids on your project. They should contain specific data on material costs, labor, payment methods and estimated completion timelines. Then, you can start to compare how each contractor fits with your goals and budget.

If you’re planning to renovate your home, please reach out to learn about your financing options.