Tips for Selecting a Contractor

Word of Mouth Referrals – Ask family, friends and neighbors for recommendations on contractors they’ve worked with.

Online Research – Vet potential contractors by reading reviews on Facebook, Twitter and Google. For more information, check out the Better Business Bureau—bbb.org, Angie’s List—Angieslist.com, and Home Advisor—homeadvisor.com.

So now you have a list of remodelers to choose from. How do you narrow them down? Simply follow the guidelines below.

Company History – Learn about the history of the company by finding out how long they’ve been in business and their relevant project experience. We recommend that you look for a company that has been in business for at least three to five years to make sure they’ll be around once the construction is complete in order to service any warranties.

Check Their Credentials – Since license requirements vary from state to state, it’s important to confirm that the remodeler is licensed/bonded by your jurisdiction and has adequate worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. The best way to verify this information is by calling the agency.

Research Organizations With Which They’re Involved – Check to see if they’re a member of groups such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)—nari.org and the National Association of Home Builder’s (NAHB)–nahb.org. This showcases a certain level of professionalism.

Reach Out to the Company – It’s important to feel comfortable with the remodeler you choose as you’ll be putting a lot of trust in them to transform your home. You’ll want to have good rapport with the person you’ll be working with to ensure the project goes smoothly. Most importantly, you should feel confident they’re listening to your wants and needs for the best outcome.

By doing your homework you’ll be able to make an informed decision and ensure a smooth home design process.