It’s common for Americans to renovate their houses every three to five years. But if you Google “general contractors,” a long list comes up in your search.
How do you choose the best contractor services while ensuring you get quality work at a reasonable price? A kitchen remodel, for example, can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $35,000, on average. How do you know your money is going to the best house contractor around?
This guide explains 5 qualities you need to look for in a general contractor, so you’re making the most informed choice for your next home project. Let’s begin!
1. Respect for Your Home
Quality builders will respect your home as if it’s their own. This means wearing shoe protectors, aka booties, when walking through your home, cleaning up after themselves, and carefully and meticulously completing each job.
They don’t cut corners to fulfill a personal budget nor do they cut corners to meet a deadline so they can hurry off to the next job. They block a sufficient amount of time for your home remodel, anticipating the unexpected.
2. Knowledgeable
Knowledge is power, and you need a home contractor that understands the ins and out of electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and more. If they don’t have knowledge in each area, they should have a team, with each member well-versed in one of those areas.
They should also be fully licensed and insured, so double-check before hiring them. You can also check their references and see where they stand on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
Look for testimonials of their work on their website. If you need exterior work, for example, you can also Google “roofing contractor near me” to find high-quality roofers for your next home project.
3. They Listen
If you’ve ever had a contractor come to your home only to call you with a list of questions you already discussed, it can be frustrating. This is why you need a contractor who listens and takes notes the first time.
Ensure they understand your vision for your home repair project and know your expectations. They should recap with you what your goals are and keep you apprised of any ideas they have and where they are with your project.
They should also be patient and understand this is your home and your biggest investment.
4. They Trust Their Employees
It’s important to find a contractor with stable employees that have a verified track record, show up for work, and produce quality results. Contractors with high turnover rates may be a red flag, so look for someone that has employees that have been with them for a while.
This includes their construction crew, painters, plumbers, electricians, and more. Don’t hesitate to ask who’s completing your home remodel and how long they’ve been with the company.
5. They Handle Unexpected Issues Well
You also want a contractor that ebbs and flows with unexpected issues. Perhaps there’s a plumbing issue they find after opening up a wall.
Or maybe you have unexpected mold growth they stumble across. You need a contractor that’s a quick thinker and can find a solution, and fast.
Hire the Best General Contractors
Now that you know what to look for in general contractors, be sure to hire the best one around. Make a list of questions to ask them, check that they’re licensed and insured, and check for references. Your home is your castle, and you want the best contractor working on it.
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