Looking For the Right Remodeling Company Can Be a Hassle
It doesn’t have to be though. There are some telltale signs that you might not receive the great remodeling services you think you are. Look for these warning signs to make sure that you’re not getting ripped off when you choose your next remodeling company.
Make Sure They’re Established
It’s important to know how long a remodeling company has been in business before you work with them. Take a look at their work; do they provide the level of service that you need? They may have testimonials on their website if they’re especially good. If not, you can check them out on places like Yelp and Angie’s List to get the best idea of how your professional relationship will go if you decide to hire them.
Look at Past Projects
If you’re looking at a well established remodeling company, they probably already have their portfolio of past projects on their website. This is a great way to see if they have done projects similar to the one that you need to get done. If you have to ask for their portfolio, make sure you find something in their that at least resembles what you’re looking for. This is the best way to see the level of quality that you’ll receive if you go into business with a remodeling company.
Make Sure They’re Insured
For their protection and yours, you need to make sure the remodeling company is insured before you start any job with them. That way, if something goes wrong, you’re covered. This will prevent you from losing money. Also, very important to make sure that their workers have worker’s compensation insurance, as you could be held liable if they don’t have it and are working on your property.
Ask Plenty of Questions
You’re interviewing someone for a job where it’s conceivable that you’re going to be spending a lot of money. That’s why you need to treat it like you would any job interview. Ask plenty of questions, and make sure you’re getting exactly what you ask for. If you hire someone, you need to keep the communications lines as open as possible to make sure things are happening in a timely and proper manner.
Get the Agreement in Writing
Whenever you make a professional agreement, make sure that they have a process where you get the agreement in writing. When dealing with a remodeling company, read the contract that they send you thoroughly to make sure it’s exactly what you previously agreed upon. Many times dishonest contractors will send you a contract for a much higher amount than you agreed on. Once you sign that contract and send it in, you don’t have any recourse left. Take the extra few minutes to make sure everything is in order.
Watch Out for Lowball Estimates
You should absolutely play the market to see who can give you the best price possible, but if you end up with four estimates around the same price and one substantially lower, you should be weary of the one that’s lower. Sometimes contractors will save money by cutting corners which can severely affect the overall quality of the job. You want someone who is going to give you a fair price and quality work.
Ask Friends and Family
If you still can’t find an honest contractor that you’ll trust to do a good job on your home, it’s best to ask your friends and family. Someone that you trust has had a good experience with a contractor, and they’ll be happy to refer you. Remember, you’re having someone work on your home, so make sure you end up with someone you’re happy to trust.
Pick the Right Remodeling Company
This is the best advice anyone can give you when you’re searching for a remodeling company. If you put the time in and follow this advice, you’ll get a quality job at the best price possible.