Even though you’ve taken the plunge and purchased the perfect home doesn’t mean that it’s 100% perfect for you. While the previous owners may have enjoyed 70’s chic, you may prefer a more modern approach. Or maybe the master bathroom is lacking that king-size Jacuzzi you’ve always dreamed of. No matter what it is, we all know that even the greatest homes could use a little bit of a face lift sometimes. So how do you find the right contractor for the job?
In a recent article published by U.S. News and World Report, writer, Daniel Bortz, unveils a few tips on how to make sure you are getting the best service available at the right price when embarking on any new remodeling or renovation projects. The first on the list would be to “Vet the contractors and their bids”. You may be tempted to turn to family and friends when it comes to references on good builders but as the article points out, that might not be the best decision. Instead, look to accredited sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which has compiled more than 100,000 general contractor reviews, and AngiesList.com, where you can gauge a contractor’s work ethic.
The article also suggests that you talk to several local contractors and make sure that each one takes a look at the property before making an offer to ensure that the bids are as accurate as possible. To be on the safe side, you should obtain at least three bids before making a final decision on who to hire.
Any prospective contractor will also likely give you a list of references but you can be sure that those clients will have only good things to say. Instead, you might want to consider visiting one of their job sites to better judge the quality of their work. Ask the homeowner a few questions, if you can, and feel out the situation.
Another great tip that Bortz suggests is to confirm your prospective contractor’s licensing and insurance. Most licenses can be checked online and the BBB’s website will let you know what the insurance requirements are for your state, so you’ll know what to look for. Be sure to verify the contractor’s certificate of insurance or the name of their insurance company, so that at the very least you know that they are covered for workers’ compensation. This way, you’ll know that you are not financially responsible if a worker is injured on the job.
Lastly, be sure to get everything in writing. When you know exactly what is included in the contract, you will most certainly avoid a lot of problems that could otherwise pop up down the road. After all of the time, energy and money you’ve poured into purchasing a house such as one of the wonderful luxury homes for sale in Palm Beach County, FL, you certainly don’t want to waste any more of it on correcting mistakes during a remodeling or renovation project. For more on these tips, visit the U.S. News and World Report’s website and read, “How to Find the Right Contractor for the Job”.