The Key to a Successful Remodel: How to Hire the Right Contractor

Your home remodeling job is as good as the competence of the contractor.

A competent and experienced contractor will make the job smooth and easy and complete it within budget. They will ensure the necessary permits, safety, and remodeling standards applicable to your city.

Unfortunately, many people do not vet their contractors enough. A remodeling contractor without a license or insurance may do unsafe and sub-standard work. When a home remodeling job spirals out of budget and time limit, the client ends up settling for lower standards of work. Home remodeling has an emotional connection for the family, and you do not want to end up in such a situation.

When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, hiring the right person for the job is crucial. A bathroom remodel can be a significant investment, and it's important to make sure that you are working with a professional who can deliver the results you want.

So, how to hire a remodeling contractor? This article discusses how to vet the contractor and how important are license and insurance if the project goes sideways.

Before Hiring A Contractor, Be Certain Of Your Goals

As a client, you are the one who is in the driver’s seat. Before you approach contractors, know the type of remodeling job you want and your budget. You may not know how to approach a project and its features and products, but it helps if you are clear about your end goal.

For example, if you are looking for a bathroom remodel, it will be helpful for the contractor if you already know whether you want a bathtub or a rain shower. Suggesting the best shower or bathtub according to your space and budget is the job of the contractor.

Clients may not always know how to translate their vision into granular details. But if you know the end goal and have some examples to show to your contractor, it makes the process that easy.

Compare Prices From Several Contractors

Do not jump into the first proposal. Research at least three contractors, speak to them, and get the estimates before you decide. Multiple quotes will clearly show how the contractors stack up against each other. While you speak to a contractor, you will understand their competence, integrity, and quality of work. Do not shy away from asking for direct references of clients they have worked for.

You may notice that a contractor that offers the cheapest rates may also deliver sub-standard work. However, a higher price quote may bring with it assured results and high quality of service.

It's important to work with someone who has experience and expertise in bathroom remodeling. Look for a remodeler who has a portfolio of completed bathroom projects that are similar to what you want to achieve. Ask to see before and after photos, and ask for references from past clients.

Conduct Background Checks

If a friend or family has recommended the remodeling contractor, people often overlook background checks. While a reference always works well, you should still check the company’s credentials, address, and name. See if they have a license to do the job and have insurance sufficient to cover any liability or workers’ compensation. If the contractor does not have insurance, you may become liable for any work accidents on your property.

You can ask for the license and insurance policy numbers and verify their validity independently. Check if the company has any formal complaints or litigations pending with the authorities.

Make sure that the remodeler you hire is licensed and insured. A licensed contractor will have the necessary qualifications and experience to complete the job safely and to code. Insurance will protect you in case of any accidents or damage during the remodel.

Look Into The Work History And Work Habits Of The Contractor

Not all contractors are the same. Some are generalists, while others are specialists. If you have a specific remodeling job, such as making a bathroom accessible for the elderly, you must choose a specialist who understands the nuances of the project.

You can make a short trip to one of their existing worksites and see their project firsthand. Notice the quality of the material they used, the finesse in work, and the project’s similarity to yours. Speak to the client and know about their level of satisfaction with the contractor’s work.

Other indirect indicators of professionalism are –

1. Is the contractor returning your calls and emails on time?
2. Do they keep their appointments, and are they on time for the meeting?
3. Do their equipment, dress, and vehicles depict pride, cleanliness, and integrity?

These factors may seem trivial for hiring a remodeling contractor. But a renovation contractor who does not turn up on time for a meeting or forgets to take notes and has an ill-kept vehicle will probably do sub-standard remodeling work.

A good remodeler should be transparent and communicate effectively with you throughout the project. They should provide you with a clear and detailed contract, outlining the scope of the work, the materials to be used and the timeline for completion. They should also keep you informed of any changes or delays, and answer any questions you may have in a timely manner.

Set Limits for the Worksite

Once you shortlist a contractor, set boundaries and expectations, and let the company know that you would require employee background checks for anyone who has access to your home. You can also set rules for meal times, smoking areas, bathrooms, parking use, and any other issues that might concern you or your family during the project.

Look for a remodeler who has strong design and project management skills. They should be able to understand your vision and preferences and translate that into a functional and beautiful bathroom design. They should also be able to plan, organize and execute the remodel project effectively, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and is completed on time.

Understand the Costs

You should have a contract with clear terms and conditions and deliverables before beginning the work or making any payments. Many contractors offer free quotations. However, if your project is complicated or large, they may charge you an upfront fee to prepare a detailed proposal. This scope of work includes a complete breakdown of the budget, line items for labor, materials, and other miscellaneous fees.

The estimate will cover details of the specific tasks, such as demolition, cleaning, and installation, and the products the contractor will use.

If you accept the proposal and award the contract, the company applies this fee to the overall project quotation. Some contractors give you a fixed quotation, while others work on a ‘cost-plus’ model. In this model, they charge you for the time of the labor, materials, administrative work, and other fees separately. If you go with the cost-plus model, agree on a price cap upfront to prevent cost overruns.

Always keep a trail of conversations and payments for future reference, and never pay in cash. Prefer bank transfers or cheques against legitimate invoices. Agree on a payment plan and never pay the entire amount upfront.

Make sure you understand the cost of the remodel and the payment terms before signing any contracts. Get a detailed estimate of the cost of the work and have a clear understanding of how and when payments will be made.

Having A Plan For Resolving Disagreements

Any contractor you hire will work closely with you and your family for the next few weeks. Trust your instinct and choose someone easy to communicate with. Good quality contractors will be comfortable to talk to and will insist on written contracts that protect both parties.

Before hiring a remodeling contractor or signing the contract, discuss how you will handle disputes. These could be anything from changes in the scope of work and associated payments to workplace accidents, legal disputes, and work not meeting reasonable standards. Put the dispute-handling process in the contract.

Be Aware of Contract Details

Unfortunately, many people sign the contract without studying the points in detail. The lengthy text seems overwhelming, and clients sign in ‘good faith.’ Reading the contract is in your and the contractor’s best interest as it helps you avoid awkward situations later.

A contract should contain the following things –

1. Start and end date of the project.
2. Information on building permits and associated fees.
3. Detailed description of the contractor’s deliverables and payment terms.
4. Subcontracting terms. Your contractor may subcontract minor jobs to other specialists.
5. License, insurance, and liability details.
6. Warranty of products and workmanship.
7. Consequences if there is a default in payment or delay in the project.
8. Exit criteria or cancellation procedure.

Lastly, the contract should have the signatures of the ‘authorized signatories’ from the company.

Summary

This article serves as a guide and a checklist for you when you are searching for and negotiating with a contractor. Having a checklist saves you from missing out on critical points and closing the deal smoothly. The Federal Trade Commission allows you to take a cooling-off period in case of remorse and, in the absence of a resolution, even cancel the contract. A good quality contractor will inform you of your rights to cancel.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that you are hiring the right person for your bathroom remodel. A well-qualified and experienced remodeler will not only ensure that the job is done correctly but also will make sure that the process is as stress-free as possible. Contact RemodelYourHome to find the best remodeling services in your area.

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