How To Hire the Right Contractor

When deciding to renovate or remodel your home, it is always a good idea to contact a professional. While there are some projects that you may be able to tackle on your own, there are also projects that may require an experienced hand... 

The type of contractor you hire will depend on your project. While some general contractors are specialized in specific project areas, others may offer multiple services. Typically, contractors will offer the following services

  • New Construction 

  • Remodeling  

  • Renovation 

  • Property Maintenance 

  • Appliance Installation 

  • Painting  

  • Flooring 

  • Roofing 

  • Siding 

With many different contractors to choose from, you will want to ensure that the business you hire is a well-educated and experienced fit for your needs. To help you navigate the process of hiring a contractor, we’ve put together this list to guide you: 

Go in With a Plan 

It’s ideal and in your best interest to know what you want before you speak with your contractor. Consider what the project looks like. Are there particular amenities you want to add? What are the colors you are envisioning? What is the look and style of the design you are going for? Listing these out for your contractor will get you both on the same page and help the contractor understand the bigger picture of your project.  

If you are not entirely sure what your whole plan is for your home project, that is ok too! Sometimes, we have goals but are unsure what steps we need to get to the final product. Hiring a design consultant can streamline that process and bring your vision to reality. 

Check Estimates from Different Contractors 

If there are a few different contractors you are considering, ask each of them for an estimate. Being able to compare each price point will provide you with a clearer picture of how these companies compare. Not only will the estimate reflect the projected price for the project, but it will give you a better idea of the quality of work they may provide.  

While the lowest bid may sound great for your budget, it may not be the best decision in the grand scheme of your ideal project outcome. Sometimes contractors offer ridiculously low prices because they cut corners or are unlicensed/uninsured. This is why receiving estimates is also a great chance for you to get to know the contractor better. You will be able to ask any questions and dive deeper into their business and practices. You may have questions about their team, the project, services, or an explanation for their pricing so you can get the best idea about who will be the ideal fit. 

Ask Questions

Hiring a contractor that you trust is important. When meeting with potential contractors, think about some questions to ask that help you decide if they are a good fit for your project. Some questions to ask that may help you reach this discussion could be:  

  • How many years of experience does your team have? 

  • Do you have references? 

  • Do you have the right license and permits for this type of work? 

  • What is the timeline for you to complete this project? 

  • What is the estimate of the total cost? 

If there are any other important questions you think of, be sure to ask them! It is good to be transparent with your contractor and build trust with them.  

Check Their Past Work

Once you get a list of references from the contracting company, do some research! How have their past projects turned out? How was their transparency in service throughout the process? Reading reviews on Google and Facebook is also a great way to see what people have to say about their work. This will show you a pattern in their customer service and quality of workmanship.  

Read the Fine Print

Make sure you read the fine print of your project’s contract. Even if you hire a trustworthy contractor, you want to read all the details of the projected timelines, pricing, and additional details to ensure you understand all that will go into the project. Again, this will help build transparency and trust with your contractor and will make sure you are both still on the same page.

Hire Local

We all love supporting local businesses! Local contractors are likely to be more trustworthy, transparent, and focused on you. Not only that, but local builders will be more familiar with any potential obstacles or hiccups that occur with housing and commercial sites in your area. 

At Total Home Solutions, we are a team of highly professional and skilled specialists who are dedicated to getting the job done right. We are faced with various situations day to day and have the ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve. We are always staying up to speed on new materials, techniques, equipment, and processes. 

We provide quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service while maintaining the highest level of dependability and professionalism in the relationships we cultivate with our clients, vendors, and employees. It is the culture of our company, and we believe that "Teamwork makes the dream work," and that everyone plays a crucial role in the success of the project! 

If you are ready to get started on your latest project, give us a call! We would love to tackle your home’s needs with our reputable solutions, competitive prices, and reasonable timelines. Let’s make your dreams a reality!  

Call our office at 541-647-0213, email us at info@mytotalhomesolutions.com, or submit your information at mytotalhomesolutions.com/contact.