The Ultimate Guide to Finding The Right Contractor
Contractors influence the final result of any home renovation or remodel project, which is often overlooked. On the surface, they are an individual or company that merely oversees a project, but they do have quite the influence over the quality of other trades, and ultimately the finished result.
This is why it’s so important to find the right contractor for your project!
Nobody wants a tiler that cannot install tile in the proposed arrangement or design needed. Consistent grout spacing is particularly important for herringbone or chevron-style patterns as they are typically less forgiving, however, an inexperienced tile layer appointed by an inexperienced contractor could lead to a messy result.
I’ve also seen homeowners select professionals to complete a bathroom remodel without ensuring that the contractor has a plan to properly waterproof the shower. This can lead to leaking and even flooding long after the contractor is out of the picture. If you haven’t read our article series When To Fire A Contractor – it’s well worth catching up on!
So how do you find the right contractor for your project? This article takes you through all the details to consider, what questions to ask potential contractors, and the all important red flags!
Why the Right Contractor is Important
It is really important to choose a reputable contractor for your home improvement project as they will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the project. They will manage vendors and trades, and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Contractors usually have existing connections with trades that will work on your project if needed, so it’s important to choose one that you can trust and has a good eye for detail.
Failing to choose a good contractor can result in below-par work that can lead to problems in the future. If you don’t select the right contractor, you also run the risk that the project will not be completed to meet building code.
Searching for Contractors
Step 1.
Before searching for a contractor, the first thing that a homeowner should do is have a design for their project completed. This can be completed by themselves, or by a professional interior designer. Every detail of the project should be defined. For example, how flooring transitions are handled, the materials that are being used, lighting, electrical needs, and any other nuance that will be part of the contractor’s responsibility.
Step 2.
Once the design and scope of work are defined, the homeowner can now begin searching for a contractor who can perform the work. If the design was completed by an interior designer, the designer should be able to recommend a contractor. If the design was completed by the homeowner, then a great place to find a contractor would be through word of mouth. Search social media community groups and ask neighbors to start with. Online referral services are often paid marketing services for contractors and I recommend avoiding them if possible. If you’re unsure, look to see if a contractor has to pay a fee to be featured in the search results. Good contractors are in high demand and rarely need to pay for lead generation services.
Step 3.
Once one or two contractors are identified as possible options for the project, request an in-home meeting to review the scope of work. Either the homeowner or interior designer should walk the contractor through the project. The project review should first include what will be demolished, then what will stay the same, followed by the changes. Material sourcing should be discussed as well.
Step 4.
The contractor(s) should send over a proposal based on the scope of work. Each contractor’s proposal will look a little different, but review the proposal to be sure the scope matches what was discussed during the walkthrough. Bathroom proposals should include the waterproofing method, dumpster and refuse requirements should be called out, permit responsibility should be noted as well.
What to Ask Potential Contractors
It’s important to get confirmation on who will be doing the work and who will be onsite and when. Sometimes the person you meet isn’t the person who is actually doing the work, and they are just the estimator or salesperson. They may have a great background in general contracting, but that may or may not translate to people who are actually performing the work.
Ask if there will be a project foreman or project manager who will be the main point of contact.
Request that the work be completed over consecutive working days (within reason) and ask upfront where natural gaps in work may occur. For example, during a kitchen renovation, there will be a natural gap of work between the time the countertop fabricator measures and when they come back to install the countertop. The contractor should be able to set your expectations upfront the first time the project is discussed.
You should also ask if the contractor carries insurance and request a copy of their certificate of insurance upon contract signing. They should also verify that the various people performing the work are licensed in their areas of expertise. Plumbing work should be completed by licensed plumbers, electrical work should be completed by a licensed electrician etc.
In addition, you should also ask if the crew working on their project will be working on another project at the same time, or will have another project that overlaps it. This could cause scheduling delays if so.
What To Look For in A Contractor
It’s important to make sure the contractor has had a good level of experience, and more specifically – projects that are similar to what you’re planning to do. They should have a website with client testimonials, and be listed on Google or Houzz with verified reviews there too. In order to ensure they are suitable for the job, you could also request to see one of their recently completed projects.
Homeowners should make sure the contractor has a certificate of insurance before signing any contracts. Ideally, the contractor should have over 5 years of experience for smaller projects, and over 10 years for larger remodels.
Red Flags to be Aware Of
If a contractor cannot supply copies of insurance in a timely manner – that is a huge red flag. Good contractors have supporting material, documents and information easily available to send through to homeowners with a potential project. This disorganization could be a sign of things to come if they were to be appointed for the job.
What Should You Prioritize?
I advise my clients that a good reputation and solid reviews from previous clients is the most important when choosing a remodeler or contractor. They should have experience with similar projects and be happy to show you examples of their work.
If a contractor is available to start immediately, that doesn’t necessarily mean that their work is good. Usually, the best contractors have long wait times because their work is so good it is worth waiting for.
It’s really important to weigh up your priority in terms of getting the work completed immediately versus waiting for the better and more skilled contractor. The same can be applied for the price too, you usually get what you pay for!
Final Thoughts
Be wary of “interior designers” who require you to use their subcontractors. I’ve seen interior designers require this and hire the subcontractors, however, the interior designer is then operating as a general contractor but not actually licensed as one.
Design and build firms are a good one-stop shop if you’re seeking a basic renovation, so don’t discount them if seeking a simple solution.
When looking for a customized approach, or trying to solve a functional issue, an interior designer can be worth their weight in gold. Not to mention their knowledge and contact base of reputable contractors and trades. If you’re seeking an interior designer in Downers Grove, Greater Chicagoland, or even a virtual designer, be sure to reach out to our team!
