How to Find a Legitimate Home Remodel Contractor

If a contractor knocks on your door or calls you insists that the work must be done immediately and pressures you to make a deposit, this is a red flag. Licensed contractors will not have such issues.

Check Their Credentials

Just like you would vet a potential employee for a job at your business, you should do the same when hiring a home remodeling contractor. Narrow down your choices by examining portfolios, checking licensing and listening to referrals from others who have used the contractor’s services before.

Credential verification processes might seem tedious but they are an essential step to preventing fraud and working with competent contractors. Contractors can qualify to work in a certain area one month and then be rendered incompetent the following month by forging documentation. 

Checks this site to ensure you are hiring contractors who are qualified to work on your project and that they are insured to protect you from any unforeseen issues down the line.

Having thorough contractor credentialing and verification processes can save you money, time and hassle by not having to deal with fraudulent contractors who are unlicensed or underinsured. In fact, some states even prohibit a contractor from accepting payment until the project is complete and meets quality standards.

Check References

You wouldn’t hire a new employee without checking their previous work, so you should do the same when hiring a contractor to remodel your home. Narrow down candidates by examining portfolios, checking licensing and listening to references.

When asking for references, make sure that you get a combination of the most recent projects, a few older jobs and referrals from various neighborhoods. This helps you to compare projects and see how the work performed over time.

Also, be sure to ask about cleanliness, punctuality and pricing when calling references. This will help you to find out whether or not the contractor was able to stick to the budget and timeline, and how they managed problems during construction. Avoid any references that give a vague review or seem defensive when talking to you about their experience with the contractor. 

That’s a red flag that they won’t be honest with you. Be prepared to listen to petty griping but make sure that you listen closely so that you can evaluate the overall experience of the reference.

Check Their Portfolio

You wouldn’t hire someone for a job without seeing their previous work, and neither should you do so when hiring a home remodel contractor.

Visit www.aslremodeling.com to view our extensive portfolio of bathroom remodeling projects that highlights our skill and creativity.

Ask each contractor on your list for a portfolio or direct you to a website with pictures of projects they have completed in the past. Make sure to see photos of the space before the project began, during construction and after completion. 

This will give you a good idea of the contractors’ ability to follow the original vision of the homeowner and meet expectations stylistically. It will also tell you if the remodels were finished on time and within budget.

In addition, find out how long the home remodel company has been in business. Experienced companies may have a more established process, better connections and a wealth of resources that help them complete jobs efficiently.

Check Their Insurance

Just because a friend vouches for someone does not mean you should not do your homework. Narrow down your candidates by examining portfolios, checking references and licensing and investigating their insurance and bond status.

A bonded and insured pro means you are protected as a homeowner if something goes wrong with your remodel.

If a contractor asks for a large deposit or payment upfront, you should consider that a red flag and request they put your money in an escrow account until the job is substantially complete or prove to you that they have bond insurance. 

If they do not abide by these requirements, move on to another candidate. This will save you from any potential scams and give you peace of mind as you work on a project as significant as your home remodel.

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