Entering into a working relationship with a home renovation contractor can seem daunting. Especially if you’ve never done it before. It seems everyone and their mother has a traumatic story to tell about their own experience. Just like with any major project, it takes careful planning and budgeting to ready yourself for a home renovation project. But the experience can actually be a quite enjoyable one if you follow these helpful tips.
Hire a home renovation contractor with these helpful tips
Do your research
Like with anything, doing your homework will pay off big time when it comes to hiring a home renovation contractor. Ask your friends and family who they’ve worked with. Check out reviews. Consider how the contractor interacts with you from the beginning.
Check the contractor’s license and insurance
Always check to verify that the contractor you’re considering to work in your home is licensed for residential jobs. If the contractor you’re considering hesitates or offers pushback when asked for these documents, steer clear.
Establish a professional tone and relationship from the get go
It’s tempting to drop right into a casual relationship with your contractor since they’ll be in your home so often. But resist that urge. By establishing a professional and respectful tone from the get go, you protect your working relationship with them. This doesn’t mean you have to be cold and rigid, but professionalism goes a long way on both sides.
Include an emergency fund in your budget
As much as we hate to say it, things can come up during any and all renovation projects. The moment you start digging beneath the surface, you open yourself up to that risk. But don’t let that risk stop you–finding potential issues is actually a good thing that can save you buckets of money down the line. But the risk is there. So we’d recommend putting together an emergency fund. If you need it, you have it. If you don’t, even better.
Get everything in writing.
As we mentioned before, you’ll likely become pretty comfortable and familiar with your home renovation contractor. We love establishing friendly relationships with our clients. But even still, we recommend getting everything (and we mean everything) in writing. It protects both parties and the relationship.
Be as clear as possible
Like with any relationship, communication is key. Clear communication is even better. If you have a very specific vision in mind, be explicit. The last thing either party wants is for things to get lost in assumptions and translation. We want you to be fully satisfied with every and any job. So clarity is crucial.
Thinking about a project? Check out some more of our content for inspiration!
- The best home improvement projects for the summer
- 4 things to consider before opting for a home addition
- Make the most of your remodeling budget
We are Meridian Design Build, Ltd. a Charlotte construction company that provides every client with comprehensive, timeless results with an unwavering commitment to quality, character and integrity. Ready to start a project?
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