How To Find The Right Contractor For Your Renovation
Posted on: 2019-03-14
If you’re lucky enough to have a quality contractor in the family, this article is not for you! Finding a qualified and trustworthy contractor is a big source of stress for many homeowners, and rightly so! It can be nerve wracking to hand off your home (and your money) to someone you just met, especially when contractor horror stories seem to pop up every now and again in the news.
Following these simple steps when choosing a contractor will help you rest easy at night knowing you made a well-informed decision.
1. Talk To Your Network
Word of mouth is one of the best (and sometimes the easiest) ways to find a qualified professional to tackle your next project. Ask your friends, family, neighbours, and coworkers about their experiences. Whether the experience was good or bad, both will help guide you down the right path. Don’t hesitate to ask for detail either. Ask what specifically made them happy/unhappy with the experience, how the contractor handled problems, and whether or not they would use them again. Ultimately, if a person you trust is happy with the work, chances are you will be too!
2. Look at Credentials
Most of this can be done with a quick phone call or visit to the contractor’s website.
Consider the following in your search:
- Do they hold all of the required provincial and municipal licenses?
- Do they carry the proper insurance?
- Have they completed any professional designations to further their education?
A little research can go a long way when it comes to finding a qualified contractor.
3. Get Multiple Quotes
When searching for the right contractor, get estimates from a handful of candidates. Doing so will allow you to get a first impression of the contractor, see where their prices fall and learn about how they manage projects. Don’t just take the cheapest quote you receive, unless the person passes all the other criteria listed here!
4. Ask for References, Photos & Read Reviews
Never be afraid to ask for references or photos of past work. If the contractor is legitimate, they will be happy to share their portfolio with you. When chatting with references, consider asking the following questions:
- Was the project completed on time and on budget?
- Was the contractor easy to get a hold of?
- Are you pleased with the outcome?
Don’t forget about reviews! Google, Facebook, and sites like HomeStars are great places to learn about a company’s reputation.
Remember that when you’re hiring a contractor, you are buying a service and not a product. The quality of service will determine the quality of the finished project. Parabola Developments has been providing excellent service and results for over 10 years. Contact us today to schedule your free on-site quote.
Photo 113533156 © Snowingg – Dreamstime.com
