6 Tips for Hiring A Reliable Contractor for Your Remodel

Increasing your property value very often involves remodeling. If you want to recoup your investment, projects that add the most value to your home are kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms.  The following should be considered when you start your search for a contractor:

1.    How much experience.  According to the Small Business Administration most contractor problems stem from  lack of experience. Choose a contractor with a minimum of five years of experience.

2.    Licensing. Most contractors are licensed by the state. A reliable contractor will be licensed.  Some states also record complaints filed against contractors—and you can reference these using the contractor’s license number.

3.    Money in the bank.  Any contractor with at least five years of experience and a solid record of bank deposits is probably going to be around for a while.  The contractor should have sufficient capital so that he’ not relying on your job to pay the bills.

4.    Insurance. The contractor should carry workers’ comp and liability insurance. Lack of insurance could leave you liable for any injuries suffered on the job. Get copies of the policies from the contractor’s insurance company.

5.    Workmanship. Ask to see samples of the contractors’ work.  Check the workmanship with an on-site inspection, by asking for client references and examining projects similar to what you are considering.

6.    Partnership.  Your contractor should care about your project and should plan to work around your schedule and routines.  Make sure you are comfortable with the level of trust you give the contractor.

When comparing bids, consider:

• Expenses. Itemize tasks such as subcontractor bids, building permits, and finish carpentry.
• Materials. Specify the costs of all building materials.
• Fixtures. List the costs of all fixtures to be installed.
• Labor. Calculate the cost of labor, including subcontractors.
• Total. Add the totals from the four categories above to get your estimated bid.