Thinking of hiring a contractor? A remodeling pro gives 11 tips on finding the right contractor and ensuring there are no surprises with your next project.
Everyone has heard the expression, “You get what you pay for.” This saying is never more relevant than when you’re planning a home improvement or remodeling project that involves hiring a contractor. Going by price alone increases the risk of project failure and can lead to higher costs down the road.
With the proper planning and a knowledgeable contractor, you can be assured of a job well done at a reasonable cost. Remember that home improvement or remodeling can be a fun experience for both you and your family. You should always choose the contractor you feel most comfortable working with.
Here are 11 tips to get the most out of your contractor and next home improvement project:
1. Connect with your contractor
The right person for the job will be easy to talk to. Make sure you see eye to eye by hiring a contractor that understands your goals and has experience in the type of job you are looking for. Communication is key for all projects, so insist on regular contact by email, phone or text messages. Allow the work crew to manage their day-to-day work, but set up a weekly face-to-face update from the foreman.
2. Understand that price reflects quality
Ask your contractor for his or her recommendations on how the project should take place. In the long run, is it worth cutting corners for a temporary fix? The lowest bid is not always the best. Request a written description of the materials necessary for the job. A low bid may indicate that a contractor uses sub-par materials or is desperate for work. The more accurate bid is likely somewhere in the middle.
3. Know a contractor’s credentials
Before you hire a contractor, be sure you understand their qualifications, including any certifications they have from national trade organizations. (Angie’s List/Eldon Lindsay)
Abbreviations behind your contractor’s name can represent certifications from national trade organizations. These indicate that the company belongs to certain organizations that bind them to a strict code of ethics. Such memberships, titles and abbreviations include certified graduate remodeler (CGR), certified aging in place specialist (CAPS), local Building Industry Association membership (BIA) and National Association of Home Builders membership (NAHB). Also, insist on hiring a licensed, bonded and insured contractor. This is a must. Otherwise, as the property owner you are liable if a member of the work crew gets injured on the job.
4. Get your home improvement contract in writing
Your contract should include: detailed time frames, the total cost, payment arrangements, your contractor’s license number, project description, names of parties involved and how to handle additional costs if necessary. Be cautious; if you are not given a timeline for the job to be completed, this may indicate the contractor has several current jobs and may not complete your job in a timely manner. Keep track of all-important information as well by keeping job-related documents such as contracts, payments and receipts in one place. Record key contact information for everyone working on your project.
5. Be upfront about your home improvement budget
If necessary, break the project down into multiple phases. Although this may increase the total cost due to repetitious start-up expenses and inflation, it may also be a better option for you to spread out the cost over time. Homeowners can often save money by doing somel tasks on their own, such as cleaning and painting.
6. Educate yourself about home improvement requirements
Know what permits are required and what regulations need to be followed for your remodeling project. Your contractor or architect should be responsible for applying for and acquiring all necessary permits. Don’t be passive, however; ask for information. Know what’s going on behind the scenes. The cost of the job will increase if the contractor is surprised by outdated wiring or other concealed budget busters.
7. Be prepared for home renovation
Before a job begins, make sure your home is prepared. That includes having an area where workers can store their tools, and sealing the site’s entry point.
• Select your colors and finishes before the painter arrives to save time.
• Review sample materials to make sure you are happy with them.
• Don’t forget to make space for the crew. Allow them to keep their supplies and equipment on site. The more organized and accessible these items are, the faster they will be able to do their work.
Try to avoid any potential loss. Remove any valuables or easily damaged items from the work site.
• Prevent dust accumulation by sealing the entry point with plastic sheeting and blue painter’s tape.
• Finally, have a “go-to-guy.” Pick someone to be the key contact between the contractor and the family. This will help keep communication clean and clear to avoid confusion.
8. Wait to start demolition
Begin demolition only after the new equipment and supplies have arrived, including windows, doors, appliances or any other essential items.
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9. Be courteous of your neighbors during your renovation
Inform the work crew where your property lines are located to prevent materials from being placed in the wrong area.
10. Keep your eye on the renovation prize
Although the project will be disruptive, don’t forget that the end result will be worth it.
11. Ensure things are complete before signing off on the renovation
Schedule a final walkthrough. Meet with your contractor and make note of any tasks that need to be completed. Be sure to request an affidavit of final release or lien wavier. Once the job is complete and the final payment is made, this clears you of any liability for third-party claims.
Editor’s note: This is an updated version of a story originally published on August 31, 2012.
captivatedconstruction.com 
I’m so glad this article mentioned to do some research beforehand to know what the regulations and permits are for a remodeling project. As far as I know, this is a great way to be able to not only understand the scope of a project but to also keep you informed on some new trends that are happening. Plus, I think discussing them with the contractor could be a great way to gain some more knowledge and advice about the project.
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Exactly!! And knowledge is power!
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One of the things I always ask is for a deadline. Contractors are notorious for saying a project will be completed on this date, but then it gets done weeks later, if it even gets done. Be sure to have a contract with fall backs in place.
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I have really been wanting to remodel my home, and have been thinking about hiring a contractor to help me out. That is a good idea to hire a contractor that I feel most comfortable with. I will be spending a lot of time with them while they work on my remodel and I won’t want to not get along with them! Thank you for all the great tips!
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You are very welcome! Good luck with your future projects!
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I do like that you mentioned how it would be a great idea to inform the crew as to where your property lines are when starting a home improvement as a basic courtesy to your neighbors. We’d be sure to do so once we do find a contractor that would fit our criteria for the home improvement project. Reading reviews from their sites should potentially help in choosing which of our prospects would suit us best. Thanks!
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Reviews are always one of the best ways to make sure that your contractor supplies the quality that they claim to. Don’t just check their website, look at Google and the BBB also! And definitely ALWAYS clearly mark the property lines when applicable. Your neighbors will thank you!
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I agree to make sure you see eye to eye by hiring a contractor that understands your goals and has experience in the type of job you are looking for. My parents want to sell the house and buy another. My aunt suggested having home improvement services and shared this article with them.
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That’s great! It is so important to have a contractor who can see the same end result as you do. Take your time while hiring your contractor, and you will thank yourself in the end.
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Thanks for mentioning that you will want to check a contractor’s credentials before hiring them, as it will help me find the right person for the job. My home is old, so I’ve been looking to hire a contractor to fix my foundation. These tips will really help me in my search, so thank you for sharing them.
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I really appreciate your advice to try to make space for the construction workers to leave their equipment, especially if they are going to be there all day! My wife wants to add a sun room to our house for her birthday, and we don’t know where to start in terms of choosing a remodeling contractor. I will be sure to clear out some of our junk for the construction workers, once we hire a remodeling contractor!
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It sure was nice when you said that although it is the contractor’s job to manage the permits needed, the person still needs to ask and know what is going on so that they are informed. If that is the case, then it might be a good idea if I ask the contractor to let me manage the permits. Of course, I want to help them out. They will be doing the construction, so I want to do the things that I know I can manage.
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I like that you added to be upfront about your budget with a general contractor. I have the tendency to start a project with one idea and end with a much more expensive result. Breaking the project into phases would be beneficial for my next project.
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I’m impressed, I must say. Really rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head.
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Thanks for pointing out that we should be seeing the contractor personally to ensure that you have a clear communication. I will share this information with my best friend to ensure that they will get the results that they want. From what I know, they will be having their bathroom remodeled since they wanted their house to have one theme, and I think it is going to be nautical due to their father being a marine.
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It is very important to choose the right person for home improvement project. Most of the people do not satisfy with the work even after spending lot of money on DIY projects. I hope this post will be beneficial for them. Keep sharing such informative posts.
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My uncle is currently working on building a home for his family, so he might need the help of a contractor. I love how you said to make sure that the contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded, as it will help protect both parties if something goes awry.
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My husband and I have been thinking about looking for a construction contractor, but we are looking for advice. like how you talked about the importance of understanding that price reflects the quality you’ll get. I will make sure that I talk to my husband about the importance of requesting a written description of the needed materials for the job to ensure we are getting charged correctly.
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I like that you said that I should be upfront about my budget when hiring a construction contractor since some unwarranted accidents might increase the expenses, so it’s recommended to spread out the cost over time. My mom is planning to have our old home remodeled soon to fit us all during the holidays. I’ll share this with her once she finds a reputable construction contractor so she wouldn’t go over budget. Thanks!
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