How Do I Find the Right Contractor for My Remodel?

4 Steps To Finding a Contractor You Can Trust

Most homeowners agree that one of the scariest parts of planning any home remodeling or renovation project is (cue ominous music): finding the right contractor.

The reason this process causes so much anxiety is that using a bad one can turn your dreams of a beautiful remodel or reno into a waking nightmare.

But how exactly do you find one who will do the job properly? What qualities should you look for in a good contractor?

This article will answer those questions, so you’re no longer left in the dark. By the end, you’ll have four simple actions you can take to vet potential contractors and find the right partner to help you execute your home improvement vision.

Let’s go over the four steps you should follow to find a renovation contractor that not only has skill and experience but is also trustworthy and dependable.

1.   Check with local supply stores and subcontractors

The best places to look for good contractors are the places and people that they’re most familiar with. That means checking with your local supply stores and subcontractors whom you’ve worked with before. Just call them up (or go in person) and ask for suggestions for home improvement contractors, and before long you’ll have a list of names to research.

2.   Read contractor reviews (and responses)

Once you learn the names of potential contractors, search for them on Google and read the reviews that past customers have left on their business page. Don’t forget to read their responses to reviews, too, as that can reveal a lot about how the contractor handles criticism and conflict.

3.   Verify they’re licensed and insured

Two important things to look for in a contractor is whether or not they’re licensed and insured.

In most states (like Idaho), all contractors must possess a license from the Idaho Contractors Board. Having this license means they know enough about building codes, permits, and other important information in their field to obtain it, so you can be reasonably sure that they know what they’re doing. Plus, you’ll avoid getting into legal trouble with the state for hiring an unlicensed contractor.

In addition, contractors must also be insured. Policies like general liability insurance and workmans compensation (if they employ any workers) protect them in case they’re sued by the homeowner, sustain an injury, or if any of their equipment becomes damaged. A contractor without insurance can’t legally do business in Idaho.

4.   Do a background check

Finally, to thoroughly vet a contractor, do a background check to ensure they don’t have any criminal records.

You may think that this is a step too far. But think about it: you want to make sure that you’re hiring someone who will be safe for you and your loved ones to be around, as some remodels can take several weeks or even months to complete. You also want to verify that they don’t have a history of committing fraud or any other types of crimes against their past customers.

All in all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Conclusion

Following the steps in this article will transform the process of finding the right contractor less stressful and more pleasant. Ultimately, it will even make the entire renovation or remodel run more smoothly.