Tips on Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
Check Credentials and Disciplinary History
Go to www.azroc.gov to check on licensing, complaints and bond information. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to ensure the Remodeling Company has a “clean bill of health.”
Get Bids
Once you’ve checked with the ROC, BBB, friends, family and neighbors, and separated the good from the bad, get bids from the top three, tossing the lowball offer. I know, we are all looking for value, but if someone comes in several thousand dollars below the others, he’s most likely cutting corners somewhere (cheaper materials, etc), or may start the project only to tell you half way into it, that the job is more complicated than expected; and now here come the change orders!
Think Beyond Price
You are going to be spending a lot of time with your contractor, so not only do you have to feel comfortable with the price that you’ve been quoted, you should also feel comfortable with their personality, background, methods and communication skills. Everyone should be on the same page.
Have a Written Contract/Agreement
Every project should have a contract no matter how large or small. This should include a description of the work to be performed, an allowance list of items, unless you and your contractor have already chosen fixtures, cabinets, etc. You contract should also have a payment schedule with milestones listed when payment is due.
Don’t pay your contractor more than 30% up front. Make periodic payments as the contractor completes “milestones” (above). The final payment should be at least 10% of the total contract – to be paid only when the job is completed to your satisfaction.
