Lebanon, IN
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Written by: mi_tim_12 | March 21, 2012 8:33 AM in Architecture | 96 views | Tags: home improvement , select a contractor , how to choose a contractor , remodeling , new construction , professional contractor
Too often, I find that homeowners don't know how to choose a contractor for their remodeling or building project. It's not their fault, you don't find many sources that give good direction. National associations tell you to check their membership lists, but what does that mean to the homeowner? Other private, or public companies leverage the social factor and give you other clients experiences, but you have to be a paying customer, and you still have to make sure that the contractor is a fit for you.
The typical system
Typically, this is the process (I've done it too):
- Call 4-6 contracting companies
- Get two or three contractors to come look at your situation
- Give them some idea of something that your possibly thinking of doing (optional)
- Receive two or three proposals - depending on how many of those contractors actually return your call and then get back to you
- Don't pick the highest, nor the lowest, price
- Cross your fingers, hope to die, hold your breath, sign the dotted line.
This doesn't matter what size project you're doing, it all is very similar
The suggestion
Our experience shows that homeowners are more comfortable when the contractor they choose provides full-service from start to finish for any project. To see if this contractor is professional, here's some tips to check off when interviewing contractors. (Don't forget that your interview process starts with the very first phone call)
- Does the contractor or a receptionist answer the phone on the first call?
- Is he/she polite and give you the attention you deserve as a potentially paying client?
- If you have to leave a message, do you receive a return call within 24 hours?
- Does the company have a system to walk thru the project with you? (eg: design, pricing, re-design, pricing, contract)
- Does the company have a communications system to keep you well informed, and always in the loop? (our dentist emails us with the time and date of our next appointment, why doesn't the contractor?)
- Do the company representatives make you feel comfortable asking questions, and do they ask plenty of questions as well?
- Are you being listened to? Do you receive an email or documentation of your conversations with their version of your conversation?
- Are you sent a meeting agenda with the opportunity to give feedback and your desires before any personal meeting?
- Does the contractor or company representative(s) arrive at your meetings on time and with their agenda in hand?
- Is the company a member of a professional organization? (From experience, this isn't always a proof of professionalism, nor does non-membership mean non-professionalism. It does give an idea of continuing education, and keeping up with the latest trends, practices, and code issues)
The brass tacks
It boils down to this: Does this company have a solid foundation of proper skills to handle me and my project with the care I would expect from them? Will I feel comfortable that this company won't lie or follow short-cuts on my project and install or repair my home properly?
If you feel that there is a possibility that you will get blamed for problems, or have conflict about details around every corner, then this isn't the contractor for you. Especially in remodeling projects, there are details, and there are definitely unforseen conditions, but those contractors who are clearest in their communication, are the best to work with.
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