Are you planning a home improvement project in the near future? Do you have your plans and blueprints printed out and ready to go? Once you gather all your design ideas, how will you ensure everything’s done properly?
Although there are a few home improvement projects you can try yourself, any major projects should be completed by contractors. Professional contractors have the experience and knowledge needed to complete home improvement projects the right way. How can you find contractors for home improvement?
Other than doing a simple search for, “home improvement contractors near me,” you can also look for a few qualities. Knowing what to look for in a contractor will help you find the best contractor for your project.
Continue reading below to find out everything you need to know!
- Inquire About Credentials
After completing a quick internet search, you’ll most likely come across several contractors in your area. You can also use a contractor database such as Smart Remodel to help you find reputable contractors. Either way, do be sure to check all contractor’s credentials.
Are they a member of any professional associations? How many years of experience do they have? Do they hold all the necessary licenses for the state?
Have the contractor show proof of licenses, certifications, and memberships. These are all signs of a great contractor.
- Research a Physical Address
A reputable contractor should have a physical address where you can reach them at. Aside from a physical address, look for an email address, phone number, fax number, and a few other forms of contact. When a contractor has multiple ways for you to contact them, this shows they’re reputable.
Unfortunately, some people are scammed by those portraying to be reputable contractors but are scammers.
- Look at Online Reviews
Your next step is to look at a few reviews. Head online and do a search for reviews on that specific contractor. If you have several contractors you’re considering, then look up reviews for all of them.
If they have their own specific websites, then you can check there for reviews. Make sure to check review sites not associated with their website as well. Then, head to their social media pages, if they have one.
Read the reviews on there also.
- Ask for Several Referrals
Once you start to narrow down your options, you can then ask each contractor to provide you with referrals. Referrals are contacts of previous clients who hired that same contractor. After they provide you with the referrals, be sure to call each of them.
They’re expecting to hire from others asking about their experience with the contractor. When you speak with them, ask them about the good and the bad surrounding their own experience. This will give you a good idea of what to expect.
- Find Some References
If you’re having trouble finding a contractor you trust, then find a few references. References are people you know personally who have worked with contractors in the past and can give you some good insight. Speak with friends and family members who may have hired a contractor recently.
Were they happy with the finished project? Is there a contractor who your friends or family worked with but didn’t care for their work? When asking these questions to friends and family members, you know you can trust their response.
- Conduct Multiple Interviews
After you’ve gone through all the steps above and narrowed down your list of possible contractors to hire, you should then conduct multiple interviews. Three possible contractors is a good number. You can then schedule times to sit down with each one separately.
Ask the contractors any questions you may have about the project. It might be a good idea to write down any questions you have in advance. This way, you won’t forget anything.
Make sure you have a separate paper to write down each contractor’s answers on. Show them your blueprints or project ideas so they have a clear idea of what you want.
- Compare Their Portfolios
What type of home improvement project are you planning? Find a contractor who specializes in this type of project. Then, find a few more.
You can then compare their portfolios. A portfolio is where the contractors keep all their photos and information about previous projects they’ve worked on. Try to find someone who has at least 10 projects similar to yours in their portfolio.
Look for the before, during, and after pictures. Keep in mind this portfolio might be on their website or might be in a physical album. Both are acceptable.
- Compare All Your Quotes
One of the last factors to take into consideration when selecting the right contractor to complete your project is the cost. Although you might be tempted to hire the contractor with the cheapest price, you might not receive the best work when going this route. Not to say the best price isn’t the best contractor, but be sure to take other factors into consideration first.
Once you narrow your list down to two or three great contractors, you can then select the contractor with the best price from your list.
It’s Time to Find the Best Contractors for Home Improvement
When you have a new home improvement project on your hands, you want only the best contractors working on it. Finding the right contractors for home improvement might take some time, but when you follow the advice given in the guide above, you’ll have a reputable contractor to hire before you know it!
Are you searching for more topics on the home, lifestyle, and more? Check back here on a regular basis to find new posts.
