Now that you have decided that you would like to do some remodeling in your home, where do you find a contractor? If you don’t happen to personally know a remodeling contractor, and your friends have only given you names of contractors not to use, what do you do?
There are a few options, like checking websites, calling your local builder or remodeling associations, or watching for contractors’ signs in your neighborhood. The best is always a good referral from a trusted friend or relative. But, no matter where you find the contractor, it is still important to research their company prior to signing any contract.
On major purchases it is human nature to focus on the price as the primary consideration. However, successful remodeling jobs depend on the quality of the contractor, quality of the products and the quality of the tradesmen the contractor uses. Those three issues can make a job a pleasant experience or a nightmare. There is a quote you often see by John Ruskin, "The Bitterness of Poor Quality Remains Long after the Sweetness of Low Price is forgotten." We all want the most value for our hard earned dollars but price is only a part of the factor. Many times the cheapest price is just that, and nothing else.
After you have had a contractor or two, or even three come to your home, and you have shown or described what type of work you would like to have done, many times, if it is a small job or repair, the contractor can quote you a price right then. With larger jobs, they will need to go back to their office and put together a proposal for you to review. On larger or more complicated jobs many contractors request a fee for putting together a detailed proposal. This is especially true if you do not have specific floor plans or details.
The following is a list of things to look for in the proposal: a copy of their insurance certificate (you want to work with a contractor who is insured and financially stable); information about any awards or certifications they have received (such asCGR, Certified Graduate Remodeler, or CAPS, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists); a list of any professional organizations with which they are associated (such as BBB, NHBA, National Home Builders Association); a list of clients both past and present that you can contact by phone (make it a point to contact them); a list of a few suppliers they use accompanied by contact information (again, contact them); details of their warranty program; an estimate of the amount of time to complete the job; a specific scope of the work to be completed; a list of items they are to supply; and a copy of a contract for your review.
It is important that the contractor provides specific information about the materials they will provide, to include the manufacturer and model numbers. And, make sure you are clear on the pricing, whether it is a fixed price, or if it is a cost plus job. Have the contractor explain exactly how change orders are handled, how costs are calculated, and what costs are included in the contract.
Remodeling Contractors are not licensed inTexas, so it is very important that you do your homework before signing any contract. Never start a remodeling job on just a hand shake. Ask questions. Clarify any uncertainties. Get things in writing. Remember, there are no dumb questions. Written communication is essential to make sure that both you and the contractor are seeing the same vision about what work is to be completed.