Guide to Select the Best Home Remodeling Companies for Your Project

If you want your remodeling project to be successful, it is critical that you find a qualified contractor. Most of the problems that are associated with failed projects often arise because the professional you hired was either not competent or ethical.

If you fail to choose a qualified contractor you will likely encounter a number of common problems. For example, the renovations may take too long to build and this could put your life on hold for an indefinite period of time, the cost of the project may skyrocket or the quality may be poor. Another very common problem is that the completed project may be not what the client wanted. If you want to avoid these problems follow the steps below.

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Ask Around

The easiest way to take the first step to finding a remodeling contractor is to ask for referrals. You can start with your own circle of friends or family. Then try workmates and your friends and acquaintances on social media. You’ll probably be able to compile a short list of qualified candidates to work on your renovation project.

Review Credentials

Now that you’ve armed yourself with a list of professionals, it is time to check if they are qualified. It is important to remember that just because your best friend recommended a contractor does not mean that they are qualified. Sometimes people recommend contractors because they are the first name that comes to mind, or they were classmates in school, etc.

Using a website like nari.org you can check if you have a qualified contractor on your list. NARI stands for National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Their website allows you to check against their database. Also, if you did not find any recommendations from friends, you can go right to the website and check for all the qualified contractors in your zip code.

Conduct the First Interview

You’ve gotten the list of possible contractors and you’ve checked them against a website like nari.org. Now it is time to get to review them to find out if they are the right fit. You can do this by phone interview as it is more convenient than visiting their premises and also more timely than an email.

You can start reviewing them by finding out if they do your type of project. Contractors handle different types and sizes of projects. Some handle small projects and some don’t. Some specialize in certain types of projects such as kitchen remodeling while others handle a wide range of projects. The bottom line is to find someone that is the right fit for you.

Face to Face Interview

Once you’ve determined contractors that are the right fit for you it is time to get an appointment and meet them face to face. A face to face meeting will help you establish if they communicate effectively and are enthusiastic about the project. Try to gauge their enthusiasm. Also check if they have had any disputes, you can do this by checking on the BBB website online. You can use any disputes they have to ask relevant questions about their website. You may also ask for past client contacts and references. Ideally, they should be of clients that have had similar projects done for them by the company. Call their past clients and ask them of the experience they had with the company. Did they finish the project on time? Was it within the budget? Were there any other issues?

Request Quotes

Now you have narrowed down to only a few contractors. Request for quotes and determine which company can give you the best value for money.

Written by Kent Murdock, owner of Randy Adams Construction in Columbia, MO. Randy Adams Construction is one of the premiere companies for construction in Columbia, MO.