The most challenging part of a home remodel is finding a reliable and reputable home improvement contractor near you. There are endless reasons why you wouldn’t want to work with a subpar contractor service — you are not only worried about sticking to a budget, you also want to hire a contractor with experience working on the project you have in mind.
Working with an experienced and vetted contractor goes beyond your project being constructed well; it also means it’s completed on time and within the budget project. Considering the stress and expenses that come with a home renovation, you cannot afford to take chances with a home improvement contractor.
Happy couple closed a deal with a contractor for their home improvement project.
Here at GreatBuildz, we speak with clients every day who are looking for quality home improvement contractors in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura & San Diego Counties. GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners with reliable, pre-screened home contractors, then provides ongoing project support to ensure a stress-free experience.
In this blog, we’ll share some ideas and resources to help guide you in finding the best home improvement contractors for your projects.
How to Find a Good Home Improvement Contractor Near Me
There are various ways to find a good contractor. Here are some tips on how to find a home improvement contractor near me and what to consider when looking for one:
Use Reputable Sources to Find a Contractor
One effective way of finding a reputable home improvement contractor is to ask friends and families for referrals. Indeed, they may have worked with someone who provided great services or knows someone who can lead you to one.
Alternatively, make use of online services that do a thorough job vetting contractors (like Greatbuildz) to find a reliable contractor. But be careful; not all online contractor listing services do a thorough job of verifying reviews.
Interview Multiple Contractors
Even with access to contractors through online services and referrals, there is no better way to screen a contractor than to meet with them personally. Ideally, this allows you to have a personal feel of their approach towards work, and specifically the project at hand.
Moreover, interviewing a home improvement contractor personally is an opportunity to talk about their prices, timeline, as well as their relationship with subcontractors in your area.
Ask For a Formal Bid or Estimate
Requesting a formal estimate of remodeling cost is a requisite for completing your project on budget. It also allows you to narrow down your options in regard to the type of material you will use. Your potential contractor should also discuss and recommend any necessary changes you need to make to the project.
Check Out Licenses
Verify your potential contractor by checking their licenses and confirming it with the local municipality and state, allowing them to conduct business. In Los Angeles and other parts of California, you can check with the CSLB.
Working with a non-licensed contractor can be quite problematic, even more so when something goes wrong with the project. Be sure also to look if their license and insurance are up to date and free of complaints.
Consider Payment Schedule
While it’s normal for a contractor to ask for a deposit payment upfront, you should never pay more than a certain percentage of the total fee before the work begins.
In California, for example, the law stipulates that a contractor cannot ask for more than 10% of the total home improvement cost or 1,000 dollars, whichever is less. The contract should include the payment schedule, which should be updated in the event a problem arises, or new repairs are required.
What to Look For in the Right Home Contractor
Contractors come in different sizes and working styles, which makes choosing the ideal one a bit challenging. Here are viable ideas on what to consider when looking for a contractor:
Expertise in Your Project Type
Your potential contractor should have the knowledge and expertise to work on the specific project you want completed. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the contractor you plan to work with should use a specific set of plans and specifications to achieve the quality and standards of the building code. This ensures that, even if using different materials, the standards will still be achieved.
Training and Experienced Staff
Make sure you ask about the contractor’s experience to understand how long they have been in the industry and how qualified they are to work on the specific project. You can ask questions like how many similar projects they do in a month and if they have any references for their work.
Also, inquire about how long an individual has worked for the company and if they have special training or licenses. A long tenure in business might help prove that the home improvement contractor has a good reputation with customers and the community.
Knows How to Find the Best Solutions to Problems
Most home improvement projects have more than one approach, but not all approaches achieve the same quality results. Your potential contractor should have the know-how to find the best solution to any issue. You can tell if a contractor has experience with a particular problem by how he offers solutions to a problem and how he plans to tackle then.
A Home Improvement Contractor Must Be Trustworthy
Your home is a valuable asset, and you cannot trust it to a contractor who does not keep promises or stick to the agreements you make. Take time to learn about your potential contractor and how committed they are to completing the project as agreed. Calling their references with help you determine if the contractor has the integrity your home deserves.
Passionate About the Job
A contractor who shows passion and enthusiasm about his job is sure to complete it to your satisfaction. Conversely, one without the motivation to work on the project will end up offering substandard services. Pay attention to how they communicate when discussing the project. This goes a long way in giving a glimpse of what you should expect.
How to Choose the Right Residential Contractor
GreatBuildz team fitting a kitchen.
Whether you are remodeling a kitchen or constructing a home addition, choosing the best home improvement contractor for you is important. Here is how to do it:
Don’t Rush the Process
Many people make the mistake of looking for a contractor at the last minute, which means they settle on the first option they get. To avoid this, start looking early before you initiate the project. This can save you a lot of headaches and money in the long run.
Ask For References
Approach individuals or companies in the same line of work, and they will be sure to guide you as you look for a home remodeling contractor. Remember, asking for references is a standard stage and should not be skipped if you want quality results.
Finding a Home Improvement Contractor Near Me
Finding a home improvement is never an easy task as it involves rather detailed research and analysis. For satisfactory results on your home improvement project, make sure to follow these tips, and you can rest assured you will enjoy the results.
When it comes to finding the best home improvement contractor for your project – GreatBuildz is simplifying the contractor search in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura & San Diego Counties. GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners with reliable, thoroughly screened home improvement services and provides project support from start to finish.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with a real person about your next renovation project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
