It can be overwhelming when choosing a contractor to trust with your home remodel. Luckily, there are several factors you can consider that will help with your decision. This isn’t just your potential contractor’s next job, this is your home and you want to make sure you can work with someone who is reliable, delivers on their promise, and makes you a part of the process. We have heard our share of scary stories about contractors in Delaware who disappear, add extra charges onto a project, or just hand out misinformation and unrealistic expectations.
So, before you start submitting estimates, check out this helpful list of what to consider when you look for a good contractor in your area.
What references does a reliable home contractor have
The best place to start is with friends and family. These are the people whose opinion you trust and their word holds more value than others. Is the local contractor backed by any well-known online home service companies or reputable associations? One of the best and more recognized online service companies is HomeAdvisor. In addition, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) vets each contractor that they endorse and even has a grading system. Your best bet is to search for contractors that have an A+ rating. Why settle for anything less?
Look at Contractor Reviews
Since we are talking about references, one of the better references to consider is former customers. A simple check on Google, BBB, Facebook, and many others will give you a glimpse of the past work a contractor has done. Be sure to be thorough. Don’t just take the overall rating into account, read the good and the bad. No one is perfect and not every experience is going to be a good one, but the key thing to look at is how many reviews there are. If you only find 2 reviews, that may not be a large enough sample size for you to feel comfortable, as say 25 reviews.
Are they Licensed
Is your contractor licensed? Any contractor who takes their business seriously will have a license in your state. And most of those will have licenses to work in multiple states. This is a sign that your potential contractor values his work and knows the worth this holds in your eyes.
Does you contractor perform background checks
There are many contractors who don’t perform background checks, unfortunately. You may hit it off with your salesman or lead contractor. He may come highly recommended and meet all your expectations. But what about the crew coming into your home to do the work with him or her? You’ve never met these people and this is something you should be asking before signing any contracts.
Does your contractor offer any warranty
This seems like a given, but we have to mention it. If a local contractor stands by their work and the products they use, they should be offering you some kind of warranty. Obviously, the best contractors will offer a lifetime warranty but even a 10-year warranty is better than none at all.
Is there a formal estimate or contract
e sure to ask for something in writing. It is never a good idea to just take someone’s word, especially if you’ve never done business with them before. Formal estimates are a great way to start any working relationship. Furthermore, a contract will usually lay out expectations of the work or at least an overview.
Interview multiple contractors
You should certainly be meeting with multiple contractors. You want to connect with the person you are working with. Cheap isn’t the best quality in a person, so it isn’t always a price issue when it comes to finding the right company.
I hope this list helps you on your journey. Above all, you need to feel comfortable with your choice and your home. While there are many good contractors in Delaware, we hope you will consider us at Calahan Bath and Kitchen as your premier choice. To speak with one of our contractors and start with our custom design process, just click the link below to send us a message.
