If you’re considering making updates to your home in Raleigh, NC, it’s important to find the right home remodeling contractor to help bring your vision to life. But, with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this blog, we’ll cover the difference between home renovations and home remodeling as well as important factors to consider when selecting a contractor. We’ll also discuss key qualities to look for in a contractor to ensure that your home remodel is a success. Whether you’re updating a single room or completely transforming your home, this guide will help you know how to choose the best contractor for the job.
I. Home Renovation vs. Home Remodeling
Although they seem very similar, home renovations are slightly different from home remodeling. Knowing the difference between the two can better help you find a contractor that provides the specific services you need. Here, we outline the differences between the two:
Home Renovation
The term ‘home renovation’ is most often used to describe the process of restoring or updating an existing structure. A renovation can be a simple aesthetic lift that doesn’t modify the existing structure or change the layout of a room. Home renovations are often done to improve the functionality, safety, and overall appearance of a building, without changing its layout or structure significantly.
Home Remodeling
In contrast, home remodeling usually involves making more significant changes to a building’s layout, structure, or design. Home remodeling may include adding new rooms, tearing down walls to create an open floor plan, or completely redesigning the interior or exterior of a building. Overall, home remodeling is typically more extensive and costly than renovation projects and often require professional design and construction services.
Knowing the difference between home remodeling and home renovations can help you fine-tune your search for contractors in your area. Oak City Remodeling specializes in home remodeling, so we are better able to take care of projects that may include layout changes, or even additions.
II. What to Consider Before Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a contractor is probably the biggest decision you will make during the remodeling process. As a result, it is important to make sure you are choosing the right one. The contractor you choose can make a big difference in the way your project turns out as well as your experience. Here are some things to consider before hiring a contractor for your next project:
1. Response Rate
Response rate refers to whether or not the contractor has enough time to deliver your project. If you are in a time crunch to remodel your kitchen space before the holidays, you will need to consider the contractor’s response rate prior to hiring them.
2. How They Accommodate Your Needs
It is important to consider contractors who are able to accommodate your needs. If you have specific requests or if you happen to have visiting family during the remodeling process, a contractor who is attentive to those needs or who is understanding and courteous would be your best option. Oak City Remodeling is a client-first remodeling company that prioritizes your needs for any project.
3. Licensing
Whether a contractor is licensed is also an important aspect to consider in your decision. Licensed contractors are required to comply with building codes and regulations set by their state or local government. This helps to ensure that your project is completed to the highest standards of safety and quality.
4. Insurance
This goes hand-in-hand with licensing. Licensed contractors are required to have insurance, which provides protection for you in case of property damage or personal injury during the project. This helps to reduce your liability and risk. Oak City Remodeling is both licensed and insured, making the remodeling process that much safer and more secure for you.
5. Warranty
Whether a contractor offers a warranty is another important factor to consider. A warranty specifies the length of time that the contractor or manufacturer will repair or replace any defects that arise from the project. They can provide homeowners with protection and assurance that their home remodeling project will be of high quality and that they will not be responsible for any damages or defects that occur as a result of the work.
6. Subcontractors
Knowing if a contractor uses subcontractors is also an important consideration. Subcontractors are usually better options when it comes to specialization, as they may have more expertise and experience. This can result in a higher quality of work for trades. Knowing if a contractor uses subcontractors is also important if you prefer to know exactly who will be in your home during the process.
7. Background and Experience
A contractor’s background and experience are also important to pay attention to. Contractors that have more experience with the specific project you are in the market for are probably the best to choose from.
8. Past Client Reviews
Referring to past client reviews isalso very telling of other’s experiences with a contractor. They can also give you indication of the quality of work that was done and whether or not they recommend their services.
9. Communication
Good communication ensures that the contractor understands your vision for the project, your goals, and your expectations. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures that the project meets your needs. Additionally, good communication with your contractor means you will receive timely updates on your project.
10. Timeline
The timeline of your project is important to consider, again, if you have upcoming events or visiting family that you’d need to work around. The timeline can also greatly impact your project if it is too long, especially for a kitchen that you use on a daily basis.
III. Best Attributes of Contractors (What to Look For)
Finding the right contractor is crucial for the success of your kitchen remodel. With so many contractors to choose from, it’s important to take the time to do your research and find a reputable and experienced professional who can bring your vision to life.
1. Treat Your Home as Their Own
A contractor should be courteous enough to treat your home as their own. This means cleaning it, suggesting things they would want in their own home, and being considerate of others in the home.
2. Cost Saving to Please a Budget is a Red Flag
Contractors that tend to save on an estimate to suit your budget should be seen as red flags. This is because you may end up paying more throughout the process because of the dishonesty in the estimate. A contractor who is upfront about the cost of your project is also more trustworthy in the long run.
3. Passionate
Finding someone who is passionate about what they do will overall make the process much smoother and the experience more enjoyable for you.
4. Knowledgeable
Choosing a knowledgeable contractor is also an important thing to look for. A contractor who is knowledgeable not only on the construction processes, but also on code requirements, environmental-friendly materials and appliances, and pre-construction processes will be a good one to choose.
5. Flexible
Finding a contractor who can maneuver through different obstacles and issues as they arise will benefit your experience and project greatly.
6. Experienced Team
Lastly, choosing a contractor with an experienced team will assure you that your project is in good hands.
IV. How We Can Help
Overall, choosing a contractor for your next home remodeling project can be a daunting decision. There are many aspects to take into consideration including whether they’re licensed, insured, offer warranties, etc. There are also a number of qualities to look for in a contractor that can greatly impact the outcome of your project. Choosing the right contractor for you may require a lot of research in your area, recommendations from friends and family, or even virtual or in-person consultations. No matter what the process looks like for you, Oak City Remodeling can help you through it. For More information on how to choose the best contractor for you next project, click here.
Oak City Remodeling is a licensed and insured contractor who specializes in home remodeling. With our knowledge and expertise in home remodeling, we can make the process of your newest project smooth and comfortable. If you live in the Raleigh, NC area and are ready to make your remodeling dreams come to life, we will be here to help!
