Steps to Choosing a Contractor
Remodeling within your budget while choosing materials you love are all important factors when remodeling your space. Choosing the right contractor is an even more important factor.
If your project isn’t a D-I-Y project, you are likely hiring someone to complete the job for you.
If you are hiring someone to do the work for you it is extremely important to trust the people that will be in your home everyday.
Before hiring a contractor, you should follow these five steps:
1. Talk To At Least 3 Contractors
It is important to interview a variety of contractors for a number of reasons.
1. You want to make sure the contractor is a good fit for your project. Check the contractor’s license classification to confirm their license legally allows them to complete your project.
2. You want to make sure the contractor can work within your budget.
If each contractor gives you a similar estimate and one gives a much lower estimate than the others, you’ll want to toss out the lowest bid. The lowest bidder is likely leaving out important aspects and you’ll end up on the hook for more money than you anticipated.
3. Each contractor will run their business differently. Some are full-service contractors while others will just install the materials you purchased. Depending on your needs, it is important to make sure the contractor you hire will be able to cater to those needs.
2. Do Your Research
Trust your gut, but don’t trust the contractor … yet. After you’ve narrowed down your choices, it is extremely important to do your research on your potential hire.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Ask for the contractor’s license number and look it up through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
2. Check out the contractor through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and read the reviews if there are any.
3. Ask Questions
Asking questions — and a lot of questions — is another key component in choosing a contractor. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), recommends asking questions about the company’s employees, how long the company has been in business, and more.
You can find the whole list of questions here.
4. Ask For References
Talk to people who have used the contractor before. People who have used that contractor have been through the remodeling process with them and will be able to share their experiences with you.
5. Get It In Writing
At this point in the process you have likely picked your contractor and are getting closer to signing a contract. Many conversations will happen during the remodeling process, so make sure everything you have agreed upon is in writing. By getting everything in writing, this means you and your contractor are in agreement to the scope of work, payment terms, and more.
Miramar Kitchen & Bath is a remodeling contractor that specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling. If you’d like to learn more about our services, please click here.
If you are interested in working with us, we encourage you to check us out through the BBB and on the CSLB website. License #657333.
