Doing it yourself can be a lot of fun, but when you’re renovating your home and working with expensive materials, it makes sense to hire a general contractor to manage the project. However, you should do your research before hiring a general contractor for your home remodel, as there are good and bad ones out there.
The first thing you should ask is what type of work they specialize in. While many general contractors offer a wide range of services, others have specific specialties such as plumbing or electrical. If you’re looking for a general contractor who has a specialization in your area of need, it can be worth the extra cost to make sure they have the expertise and knowledge you require.
It’s also important to ask potential GCs about their experience and how long they’ve been in business. The longer they’ve been in business, the more likely they are to be competent and dependable. You should also check to make sure they have all the necessary licenses and permits to do your renovation, as well as workers’ compensation insurance for any injuries that may occur during the work process. Be wary of a contractor who doesn’t provide this information willingly or quickly; it could be a red flag.
Another question you should ask potential GCs is how they handle emergency situations during a project. Unexpected expenses are inevitable during any remodel, and it’s important to find a contractor who has a plan for dealing with them in a professional manner and keeping the costs down as much as possible. You should also ask potential GCs what their typical timeline is for projects, and if there are any factors that would affect the project schedule.
One of the most important aspects of any construction project is communication. Good GCs are highly communicative and will keep you updated every step of the way. They should also be responsive to any questions or concerns you have during the project, and they should always be clear on what they will do to address those issues.
When you’re interviewing potential GCs, don’t forget to ask them for a portfolio of their past work. This will give you a good idea of their style and craftsmanship, as well as how their work looks before, during, and after project completion. You should also ask them to explain how they manage a project timeline and what steps are involved in each phase of the work.
Lastly, it’s essential to find out whether or not your potential GC has any affiliations with other companies or contractors. These can cause delays in the project, so it’s important to ensure that you are hiring someone who will be dedicated to your renovation.
If you’re ready to start your remodel journey, the experienced team at Sweeten can connect you with a trusted general contractor that fits your project needs and budget. We take the stress out of the home renovation process by personally matching homeowners with top-rated professionals, while offering expert guidance and support at no additional cost.