The process of researching and locking in the right contracting company for your next home renovation or construction project can be daunting. Within this field, there is a wide variety of companies to choose from, many of which feature some pretty incredible offerings. There is sure to be a significant variation in pricing as well, and you’ll want to be wary of any companies offering prices that seem too good to be true. For those that are either new to finding a contractor or those that are in search of a better fit, there are some specific guidelines that can effectively guide you toward a reputable company. Below are some of the most important aspects to look out for during your contractor search.
Excellent Reviews
When you’re on a mission to hire a new contractor, it’s vital to do some research before you hire them. One of the best ways to do this is by reading first-hand reviews, whether it be on Yelp, Google, or any other similar site. When you reach out to the company directly, ask for references and check the contractor’s website as well. Additionally, you can ask friends or family members for recommendations based on their own experience with contracting companies. Word of mouth is a great way to uncover reputable contractors that have a solid reputation in the area.
While reviews are a telling sign, it is important to remember that they are not everything. If you connect with a contractor that features a few less-than-ideal reviews but seems to be professional, considerate, and has a great track record, you’re likely to be in good hands.
Great Communication
Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.
Within the remodeling field, it is common for questions to pop up and potential changes that need to be made. Any contractor you hire should have excellent communication to the point where you can ask questions and receive answers promptly. Checking in, providing updates, and relaying any timeline changes should happen often if the company is a great service provider.
In addition to their communication, they’ll need to be upfront about the process and solidify details with a legally binding contract. In order to make sure that the job is done right and on budget, it’s essential that you get a contract for every hired contractor. This way, both parties will know what is expected of each other. In addition to this, you’ll want to find a company that provides transparency regarding any additional fees. A rough estimate that fits within your budget is a great sign of proper communication. Be weary of any company that promises a fixed price, as it is normal for projects to experience some fluctuation in pricing.
Friendly, Professional, and Trustworthy Employees
As with any paid service, you’re going to want to ensure that the people you hire are highly professional and friendly. They will likely be in and out of your home for weeks to months on end, and you deserve a positive interaction each and every time. Finding contractors that treat their clients like family is one of the best indicators that they’re a company worth hiring.
Trust is another vital aspect you’ll need when hiring a remodeling company. When making big decisions regarding aspects like flooring materials, countertops, and design features, you want to feel confident that your renovation company is leading you in the right direction. Additionally, trusting that they are completing the job to the best of their ability is crucial as well. Employees that are kind, offer sincere guidance, and take pride in their process are great indicators of an honorable company.
An important note is that as you perform your search, you’re likely to see the terms general contractor, remodeling company, and renovation company used somewhat interchangeably. Though they are certainly similar, not all contracting companies are the same. In fact, you may see the term general contractor used by companies that are not in fact licensed as such.
Here at Oak City Remodeling, we are a fully Licensed General Contractor and are able to complete both residential and commercial remodels as well as new construction.
Having The Proper Credentials
When looking to hire a contractor, you want to make sure that they are licensed and insured. The best way of doing this is by checking their business license. The state’s business licensing website will tell you if they have a valid license or not. If they do, ask your potential contractor for their license number so that you can check it out yourself, or just call the state’s office directly if time permits.
Next, call the insurance company listed on your contractor’s business card or website and ask if there have been any claims filed against them in recent years. This will tell you whether there have been any incidents with past clients that resulted in lawsuits being filed against them, which could shed light on their reputation as a contractor and help prevent similar problems from happening on your job site down the road. Additionally, checking with the Better Business Bureau is another excellent way to discover if any claims have been submitted against the company.
Knowledge and Expertise
Arguably the most important aspect to keep in mind when hiring a contractor is overall knowledge and expertise. While there are surely many great contractors just starting out, it will make the process much smoother if you opt for a company that has been around for a while. The best training takes place on the job, meaning a company that has been in the field, tackling jobs for many years, is going to be better equipped to complete your job efficiently and in a timely manner.
Finding a contracting company that is skilled in a wide range of areas is ideal, as you may require future projects in addition to the one you are currently searching for. For example, rather than finding a skilled contractor that primarily works with bathroom remodels, find a company that is well-versed in all things home and construction. That way, if you decide down the line that you need a kitchen remodel, a new deck, an addition, or even a basement remodel, you can trust the same contractor over and over again. Oak City Remodeling is a contracting company efficient in all of these areas, as well as a wide range of additional projects such as bar construction and office sheds.
A Great Process
It’s important to find someone who knows what they’re doing. You don’t want to hire a company that can’t finish projects on time or within budget, so make sure that any contractors you’re considering have a solid track record of completing projects quickly and with minimal cost overruns. It’s also important that your future contractor has a good relationship with their subcontractors—this means they will only use reliable subcontractors on your project, which can save you money down the line if those workers cause delays or other issues with their workmanship.
Their overall process once you hire them is crucial as well. The right company will begin with a consultation in order to learn more about your concept or ideas. Next, they’ll want to meet with you in person to nail down some of the fine details and map out elements like a budget, timeline, and expectations. From there, they should handle nearly all aspects of the project, while you remain stress-free. The ideal contractor will communicate when necessary, get the job done on the timeline established, and remain focused on executing your dream remodel project.
At Oak City Remodeling, our customers receive access to a dedicated project portal, with which they can check in on their project throughout the process. Any information, communications, or documentation they may need will be conveniently located here.
With all these considerations, you should be more than prepared to begin your contractor search. Focusing on reputable, established companies will make the process as smooth as can be and can save you time and money as well.
To learn more about how we can help with your next remodel project, reach out directly at (919) 283-4421 or visit our website at www.oakcityremodeling.com. Here, you can review some of our most recent projects, including attic, bathroom, and kitchen remodels.
At Oak City Remodeling, we serve the greater Raleigh area, including Cary, Apex, Garner, and Morrisville areas.
