When you’re thinking about renovating your home, it’s a good idea to get a contractor to work with you. If you’re not sure what to look for, check out this article for some tips on finding the right contractor for your job.
Be sure they’re licensed and insured
Hiring a home renovation contractor that’s licensed and insured is a smart move. It can help you avoid costly mistakes, such as injuries and property damage. In addition, an insurance policy can make repairing mistakes easier to manage.
Whether you’re doing a major renovation or just fixing up a room or two, there are a number of factors to consider. For example, be sure your contractor has the proper license, liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.
Choosing a contractor who is licensed and insured will prevent you from having to deal with the inconveniences of filing a lawsuit. And it will protect you and your family. If your contractor or subcontractor isn’t properly covered, you may be responsible for damages, medical bills and lost wages.
If you’re hiring a general contractor to handle a large project, you should know that a trade license is required to do the job. Additionally, if your project is likely to involve support fleets, you’ll want to consider auto liability insurance.
If your home isn’t already covered by homeowners insurance, be sure to purchase it. The coverage may not include damage to items outside your house, such as landscaping or fences. Also, be sure to increase your dwelling coverage to better cover the cost of a renovation.
If your contractor is not licensed, ask him for proof. There are several ways to do this, including calling or visiting the office in person. You can also get a trade license number from the state licensing board.
While an unlicensed contractor is often cheaper than a licensed counterpart, there are many risks involved. Some of these include lawsuits, penalties and damages to your property. A licensed contractor should be able to offer you some advice on choosing an insurance company.
When hiring a home renovation contractor, be sure to read up on the insurance industry and learn about the different types of insurance. Liability and property insurance are both important and should be discussed in detail with your agent.
Whether you’re renovating your home or putting it on the market, be sure to choose a licensed and insured contractor.
Get bids from the top three or four contractors on your list
If you’re thinking of renovating your home, you need to do your homework. The best way to do this is to get bids from three or four contractors. You want to find the one that offers the best value for your money. This will allow you to hire the right person for your project.
A good idea is to create a list of 10 to 15 contractors in your area. Using a digital marketplace such as Angie’s List can help you narrow down your list. Once you have this list, ask around for referrals. Ask friends and family if they know of a reputable contractor.
In addition to your online search, you should also visit the contractor’s office. Check to see that the company has the appropriate licenses and insurance.
A good contractor will be able to provide you with a portfolio. This will include pictures of previous projects and blueprints. They will also be happy to give you a list of references.
Make sure that you have a written contract. While you won’t be obliged to hire the contractor, a written contract can provide you with the recourse if something goes wrong. Also, be sure to write down all the details of your project in a detailed document.
For the most part, there’s no replacement for face-to-face communication. You want to be sure that you’re working well with the person you’re hiring. It’s also important to check to make sure the bid you’re considering is accurate.
Before you sign the contract, be sure to get a feel for the contractor. Ask about their work ethic, if they’re trustworthy, and how they manage subcontractors.
As with any major purchase, you should be certain that you’re making a wise decision. Be cautious of contractors who push you into signing the dotted line.
There’s no substitute for doing your research. Get bids from the top three or four contractors in your area and you’ll be in the best position to hire the right person.
The right general contractor can mean the difference between a botched project and a pleasant experience.
Check online reviews
When you are renovating your home, it is important that you choose a contractor that has the expertise and experience needed to complete the project. There are several ways to find a quality contractor. One of them is to use online reviews. These can give you a better idea of the contractor’s reputation before you contact them. You can also check the scope of renovations they do, for instance, as seen on Pro Renovation Contractor.
A good place to start is with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). BBB accredited businesses must adhere to certain standards, including being truthful and responding to customers. You can also check their complaints database.
Another option is to ask for referrals. Many people turn to word-of-mouth to find a contractor. This is especially important if you are renovating an entire home. However, you should still make sure to do your own research before selecting a contractor.
You can find online review sites, such as Yelp, Facebook, and Angie’s List. You can read reviews written by other homeowners and then call or email them for further information.
Once you have selected a few contractors, you can get bids. Make sure you get three to four estimates. Although the lowest price is often a sign of a poor contractor, it should not be the sole factor.
During the bidding process, you should request proof of insurance and licensing. Depending on the scope of the renovation, a bid may include the total cost, the materials you will need, and a timeline. Getting an estimate from several contractors will allow you to compare prices.
In addition, you should meet the contractor in person to assess their skills. Ask them about the types of work they are experienced in. Check out their portfolio to see how many projects they have completed.
If you feel comfortable with the contractor you are considering, you can ask them for references. Some clients are not comfortable saying negative things about their contractor, so it is best to check references for yourself.
The Internet has paved the way for homeowners to do their own research on contractors. Reviews can help you make the right decision when it comes to your home renovation.
Collect lien releases and materials receipts
Lien releases and materials receipts are important for homeowners who hire contractors to perform home renovations. A lien is a legal document that guarantees a contractor will be paid for work they have done on your property. If a contractor is not paid for their services, the contractor has the right to file a lien on your property. The amount of money owed to the contractor depends on the state in which you live. Usually, a lien release must be obtained within 10 days after a payment has cleared.
In order to get a lien released on your property, you must provide a signed waiver of lien. A waiver of lien will protect you from any future claims made by a contractor. However, not all contractors are as trustworthy as others. You should make sure that you have a contract with a reputable and trustworthy contractor who can give you updates on the progress of the project.
In addition to obtaining a lien waiver, you should also make sure that you request copies of all materials receipts. Some unscrupulous contractors might charge you extra for the materials you have purchased for your project. Obtaining these materials receipts will help you to make a better decision when hiring a contractor.
Finally, you should ensure that the contractor is fully satisfied with the work they have done. It is crucial that you have the entire job completed before making any final payments. Leaving the work incomplete may result in a construction lien, which is an unpaid bill for materials or labor. Once the construction is complete, it is recommended that you make a final payment. Make sure that the payments you have already made are documented and are properly laid out in your contract. Only after these are accounted for should you begin the process of putting the finishing touches on your home. Getting a lien release and materials receipts will help you to be protected from any contractor or subcontractor who attempts to collect from you.