Things to Consider When Choosing a Remodeling Contractor

 

Finding the right remodeling contractor will have a huge impact on the final quality of your project. So do take time vetting your options, making sure each important aspect is thoroughly reviewed.

 

For instance, when asking for a bid, tell the contractor to include details in full. A lot of contractors out there will give you just one bottom line price for everything, but this makes everything vague about how much you're paying for what particular parts of the job.

 

With an itemized bid, you'll know much you're spending on everything, from the demolition to electrical work to drywall and painting and everything else. This way, it will be much easier for you to make comparisons among different contractors' bids. And yes, do compare a few Remodeling Villanova PA contractors instead of considering just one at a time.

 

Another important issue about the bids is whether they're giving you an estimate or a fixed quote. For some contractors, bids are considered as estimates, meaning your bills could end up way higher towards the end of the project.

 

Make sure to ask for a fixed price bid instead. If they can't give you that because of too many unknowns, then try to make these unknowns more transparent. If that's not possible, let the project specifications indicate only what the contractor is expected to do. If any additional work is necessary, let the contractor submit a mini-bid in writing.   

 

As part of the vetting process, you also need to know how long the contractor has been in business in your area. If they've been around for at least five years, they probably have a solid network of suppliers and subcontractors and a name to protect. That makes this Bathroom Remodeling Havertown PA contractor much safer than one that is new in town or planning to travel 40 miles to work on your home each day. It's always wise to get one or two references from each contractor you're considering. This will help you know what kind of job they do.

 

To know more about your prospect, ask who their main suppliers are. Contractors are always networked with companies that provide their materials. You can ask your potential contractor's suppliers to give you an idea about their reputation in the industry. 

 

Finally, don't be happy talking to the contractor. Ask to meet the foreman because this is the pro that's actually there in the site and working on projects. In other words, the foreman is your main guy so you need to meet him and see him at his current job to know how he does it. If the contractor says he's running the project himself, know if he will be around each and everyday.