You can find basic guidelines for selecting a contractor in our Remodeling Resource Hub, but we thought we’d delve a little deeper here on the blog.  The first step in finding the right partner is to determine what kind of project you have.  Is this an insurance related project?  Is this an emergency?  What is the scale and scope?  These starter questions will help point you in the direction of what kind of construction professional you need and from there you can consider the following to narrow down the field.

Experience

There is no substitute for experience. You want to find a contractor that has a long history of working in the area and understands the particulars of remodeling in our region.

Recommendations

Ask friends and neighbors to see if anyone has recommendations. Personal referrals are often the best. If you’re having difficulty finding personal referrals, check around online. There are many websites that offer people the opportunity to post public reviews of their contractors. Read both good and bad reviews about the contractors to form your best judgment.

Licensed and Insured

Your contractor should always be licensed and insured. This way your home improvement project will be protected in case anything goes awry. They must also be familiar with working with local municipalities to have their permits and work approved. There is nothing worse than sitting around waiting for the city to approve work. When it is done right the first time, everything can proceed according to schedule.

Budget and Price

Be prepared to discuss your budget upfront.

Don’t go with the lowest bidder or estimate.  You get what you pay for.

Professionalism & Rapport

Find a contractor who not only communicates well with you, but also maintains a professional relationship.  A good contractor will answer all your questions prior to the initiation of the project and make the process clear.

Here are questions to ask to further assist you in your search:

1.  “Are you fully licensed to work in my state?” 

Each state has different licensing requirements for contractors. Oregon, for example, requires a license for any construction activity performed for compensation, with the exception of minor projects under $1,000. Some companies have licenses in more than one state — Square Deal Remodeling is licensed and bonded to work in both Oregon and Washington.

 2.  “Do you have experience in the kind of remodeling work I need?”

If you have a vision for your new space, you want to make sure your contractor has the expertise to realize that vision. Ask if they’ve previously worked on anything similar to your project. You may also want to ask how long the company has been in business. It’s always a great sign when a contractor has been working consistently in the same area for many years.

3.  “Can I see photos of your past work?”

You can usually find plenty of examples of a remodeling company’s past work in their website’s portfolio.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for online, ask if you can see some examples.

4.  “Do you have reviews from past clients?”

The longer a company has been around, the more time they’ve had to build a reputation in their community. The easiest way to measure that reputation is to look at reviews. Check out all the remodeling contractors you’re considering on Angie’s List, their website, and other places.

5.  “What is your process like?”

Some contractors expect you to come prepared with a design, while others, like Square Deal Remodeling, offer an all-inclusive design-build process where we handle everything (designing, planning, and construction) in collaboration with your vision, timeline, and budget. One downside to hiring a separate interior designer is that you don’t know for sure if their suggestions are feasible and within your budget until you show the design to your contractor later. You might also want to ask about the contractor’s daily work schedule and how they plan to handle any permits your project requires.

6.  “How will you turn my vision into a concrete plan?”

Your remodeling contractor should be able to give you a good idea of what your new space will look like well in advance of the construction start date. You need to be confident that when your remodel is complete, you’ll be standing in the place you’re imaging now. Every remodeling company has their own methodology, and it’s important that your contractor’s process works for you.

At Square Deal Remodeling, we use the latest design technology so you can visualize your completed space. We also create a contract document that includes every detail of your project from start to finish. This document is not only our contract with you, but also the work order for everyone who will be working on your remodel.

7.  “Will it be easy for me to get all my questions and concerns addressed every step of the way?”

Communication is a crucial part of the remodel process. Your contractor needs to address all your questions and concerns before you make any commitments. Then you need to know that someone is available to answer any new questions that come up at every stage.

8.  “How will you keep me informed about progress throughout the remodel?”

You should never feel left in the dark about what’s happening in your own home. Unfortunately, not all contractors are equally transparent and communicative. Ask them how they plan to update you as your remodel progresses.

9.  “How do you determine pricing?”

Asking this question helps you make sure your contractor’s price quote is fair and reasonable. It’s a good idea to agree on payment terms before your project begins so that you know how much is due and when.

10.  “How soon can you start, and how long do you expect my remodel to take?”

You may have time constraints or other plans (like hosting a wedding or other event at your home) that could affect your remodel. It’s important to make sure your contractor’s availability fits your schedule. A busy contractor is usually a good sign, but if you need to start ASAP and your contractor is booked for months, you need to know as soon as possible.

We’re here to help.

Choosing a remodeling contractor is a big commitment and there’s no such thing as too many questions.  If you would like additional information or have questions about your particular project, we’d love to hear from you.