The Best Way To Choose A Remodeling Contractor

To perform a good and reliable work one must find the right remodeling contractor and it can be a stressful job.  It is best to employ a contractor with an established business in the area.  Through the local business bureau or from past customers in the community, one can check the references of local firms.  These local remodelers are compelled to perform quality work that satisfies customers and for the business to survive. 

Many states require remodeling contractors to be licensed and or bonded.  One can ask the remodeling contractor for a current copy of their license.  To ensure the contractor meets all the requirements, one can contact the state or local licensing agencies.  To ensure there are no complaints on record for the contractor, it is also best to check with the Better Business Bureau and the government Consumer Affairs Office.  To verify the coverage of insurance, one can ask a copy of the remodeling contractor’s certification of insurance for the name of the insurance agency.  Many states do require a contractor to carry worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance.  Make sure that all minimum requirements are met by the contractor’s insurance coverage.

Choosing a remodeling contractor for the project is the most important decision.  Be thorough and take time in searching.  Here are a few places to start looking for the best remodeling contractor for your project:

· Word-of-mouth referrals.  Ask for leads from relatives, friends, neighbors, business colleagues, lenders, suppliers and even real estate agents.
· Job site signs.  Contracting companies put their signs on the lawn of their clients, pay particular attention to these signs.  Look if the site is clean, are tools and materials being handled in a responsible manner and if there are dust covers over the owners’ belongings to protect them.
· Local media attention.  Check out articles about local remodelers as well as columns in the newspaper and radio talk shows.  Media can be a great source in finding a reputable, qualified, and personable contractor.
· Direct mail.  Some remodeling contractors will send direct mail to homeowners within a few blocks of a current job.  One can call and ask the homeowner if it is possible to tour the area with the contractor.
· Seminars.  Some firms host a seminar on how to choose a remodeler and other interesting remodeling topics.  The local newspaper community news section can provide the information.
· Home shows.  This is a great place to make an initial contact with the remodeling contractors and to gather information about companies as well.

Once done with the research, it is best to interview some prospective remodeling contractors before finally making a choice.  Be cautious when the remodeling contractor is:

· Giving vague and reluctant answers.
· Exhibits poor descriptive powers and poor communication skills.
· When questions are not answered to one’s satisfaction.
· If the contractor is impatient and does not listen.
· The contractor is not accessible.
· There is no presentation book of previous projects.
· Does not address the needs of the homeowner and is mainly focusing on the work.

Best of all avoid remodeling contractors wherein the name, address, telephone number or credentials can’t be verified.  It is always necessary to be cautious on who and what one is dealing with.