Tuesday, April 14, 2009

How to Choose the Right Remodeling Contractor

Remodeling your home yourself is no easy task. Some of the duties involved with remodeling are best left to the professionals. While acquiring the right assistance in itself is no easy task, here are some tips on how to find the perfect remodeling contractor for your remodeling project.

Remodeling contractors can be located using yellow-book listings or listings on the internet. They can also be referred by word of mouth. Select about a handful of contractors who specialize in what you're looking for. Thinking of retiling your bathroom and replacing appliances? Surely there is a contractor who specializes in bathroom modifications. Installing crown molding in your den? There are plenty of remodeling contractors who specialize in various home transformations.

After you've made your selection it's time to make your phone calls. A good contractor is one that the client feels comfortable speaking with. The contractor should be knowledgeable and approachable. They should be able to understand your wants and needs and have the tools and confidence necessary to get the job done. Ask for pricing quotes and ask what all is included in the contract price. Negotiate if necessary and see what kind of deal the contractor can offer for the work you're requesting.

Ask for references and feedback from happy (and even unhappy) customers. Assess the contractor's strengths and weaknesses. Feel free to call these references, including older customers to assess how the remodeling work has been maintained over the years. Inquire to the customer service involved with the remodeling job, and the overall job itself. If you can see samples of finished products, request them.

After you've acquired all of your potential offers, assess the cost vs what you're actually getting. Never just go for the lowest bidder. The lower the price may equal a lower quality of work, and that in itself is a bad investment. Consider your needs and the difficulty of the job. High bids may equate to good workmanship, and you should definitely take that into account.

Now that you've reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a contractor and assessed your needs for your remodeling job, it's time to hire! Good luck in your search for the perfect remodeling contractor.

Sarah Reece writes for Ciniva Systems, an award winning Virginia web design company. Ciniva specializes in web design and SEO. Sarah Reece is an SEO Specialist with Ciniva. Ciniva Systems is in charge of SEO for Chesapeake Remodel

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1 comment:

J7 said...

The same can be said for any contractor including basement, foundation, or even landscaping contractors!

Great post.