12/15/2016 11:56:00 AM by Merrell Building Enterprise, Inc
Price might your first thought when looking to hire a service professional, but should really be much further down on the checklist. Finding a competent and reliable contractor to do the job is KEY. Even with a good contractor, renovation can be stressful, expensive and involve unpleasant surprises.
Choosing the right contractor can make the difference between a successful home renovation project and a disaster. Here are a few tips to help.
+ Knowing or at least having an idear of what you want before you get estimates. This will help you get a more accurate estimate if you can be very specific in what you want done and the materials you would like to use to make it happen.
+ Check with friends and/or neighbors who have done similar work to the job that you are contemplating. If you know people in the building trades, ask them, too. Employees of local hardware stores may also be able to provide referrals.
+ Interview at least three contractors. Be sure to give the job details the same way with each contractor so when comparing bids you’re comparing apples and apples. Make sure each one includes the same materials and the same tasks.
+ Most importantly, check references and read reviews! You are spending a lot of money, and this is your home. Read reviews carefully to make sure the contractor is the right person for your job and will work well with you. Keep in mind that reading reviews is not a substitute for checking references.