12 Tips to Hiring a GREAT Remodeling Contractor

Your home is probably your biggest financial asset.  Home Renovation, Improvements and Repair can add a lot of value to your home!  That is why it is important to be cautious when you hire a company to work on it.

Advertising vs. Website

Don’t consider an advertisement as an indication of the quality of a contractor’s work.  But, a contractors’ website can give you valuable information.  For instance, on their website you will see whether they have a contractor’s license, how many years they have been in business and if they are a member of the Better Business Bureau.  And if they don’t have a website, that is a bit of a “Red Flag” to begin with.

“Angie’s List” Type Sites

On sites like Angies List you can get a good referral and read honest reviews of contractors doing the work you require.  Companies don’t pay to be on a list like this.  Companies only get on the list when a list member submits a report (good or bad) detailing their experience with that company.  But beware, some so-called referral lists on the internet are paid for by the contractor’s themselves!

Word of Mouth Referrals

Ask your friends and neighbors! Ask your realtor!  These people are good sources for truthful recommendations of contractors to work on your beautiful home.  Make sure the company your friend has referred you to has done the type of work that is going to be done on your home.  For instance, a new home builder, while they build great new construction, may not be the best referral for remodeling an existing home.

It’s all about experience!

Helpful Tips

Here are some helpful tips from the Police Department and the County District Attorney’s Office to help protect you from hiring a less-than-reputable contractor:

1. Research the Better Business Bureau for any complaints filed against the company.
2. Verify the contractors credentials
3. Name , Address, Phone number, years in business, email address & Contractor’s  License Number.
4. Obtain a written contract which outlines the details of the work specifically.
5. Obtain more than one estimate.
6. Be wary of hiring a contractor who gives you a really low estimate to beat the competitors.
7. You will have to pay some of the money up front -  Customarily it is 30% down, with payments of 30% along the way, with a final payment of 10% -  However, you may be asked for 75% down up front for custom marble, granite or on any customized materials used in the job – This is because custom cannot be returned once it has been made for your home or business.
8. Verify permits and request a Sales Tax ID number and verify its existence.
9. Obtain all Lien releases at the end of the job – This proves that all job site workers, material suppliers and subcontractors have been fully paid.
10. The job site has been cleaned and cleared and looks nice.
11. You have inspected and approved the completed work.
12. The contractor has passed all the inspections required by the city.