Taking on a home remodeling project is a huge decision. You don't want to use just anybody, or you risk wasting your hard-earned money. Even though you are not buying a product, the contractor's services you choose are going to determine the quality of the finished product (your remodeling). It is important to hire a professional and to take a few basic steps listed below to ensure you hire the right home remodeler.
1. Make sure the contractor has a license.
You can get his license number and check it out yourself to make sure it is legit. There have been scam artists who have faked license numbers, so just because a contractor gives you one doesn't mean it is legal. To check the license number, go to the website listed at the bottom of this article and enter the license number into the box. Click "Search for license" and wait for the results. If your contractor has a valid license, or if he has had any reports against him, this search will tell you.
2. Ask for references.
Call families the contractor has done business with before. Ask them such questions as, Was the contractor prompt? Did the contractor leave a mess? Did the contractor finish the job on time? Was the customer satisfied with the job the contractor did? The answers will give you some insight into how the contractor operates. You want someone who is reliable, on time and committed to finishing the job as close to on schedule as possible.
3. Note the contractor's attitude.
Is he kind and concerned with giving you exactly what you want, or is he bold and bossy? Does he offer you helpful suggestions without being demanding or expecting that you must follow those suggestions? You can tell a lot about a person by his attitude.
4. Find out if the remodeler has a large enough crew to work on your job.
Some contractors only have two to three helpers, which can make the job take twice as long. If you are paying him by the hour, then you want a large crew.
5. Check if the contractor is a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
If the remodeler is truly a professional and takes his business seriously, chances are, he would have joined this group.
6. Check out the contractor with the Better Business Bureau.
If there is no information on this contractor or his company, that's a good thing. It means no one has filed a complaint against him. If, however, someone has filed a complaint, you are going to know about it, and that should help you make a decision as to which contractors you want to stay away from.
