It is a sad truth that contractors have a reputation for being untrustworthy. A couple of bad apples have given contractors a rotten reputation. But many contractors a good, honest workers that are dedicated to making remodeling projects easy for their clients.
Our team of Baltimore County remodeling contractors has listed some tips on how to choose a home remodeling contractor.
Ways You Can Find a Trustworthy and Reliable Contractor:
1. Know What Kind of Remodeler You Need
Many people might not know this, but not every contractor is the same. Depending on the project you envision you should select the type of contractor that will most likely be able to make that vision a reality.
For example, designers are good for projects that entail colors, shapes, light, and design elements, whereas an architect can better handle construction and structurally changing the layout of a home. Companies that are design/ build contractors, like Post & Beam Design/Build, can handle both elements of a remodel. We can build an addition to your home while give you suggestions on what design works well.
2. Read the Reviews
A good way to determine what kind of service a company delivers is by reading the reviews, both on and off their site. Can’t find any? That is never a good sign when a company hides them.
Along with reviews, viewing a company’s portfolio can help you visualize the level of work they provide, as well as get some inspiration for what kind of remodeling details you would like done for your home. You can view Post & Beam Design/Build’s reviews and photo gallery here on our site.
3. Make Sure They Are Licensed or Certified
Anyone can claim to be a contractor, put up a website, and take your money. Researching more about a contractor and their qualifications can save to the frustration and heartache of dealing with a fraud.
Licensing and certification are important for more than just ethical and trust matters; it is also important for insurance and general liability reasons as well. Our Baltimore County remodeling contractors are NAHB graduated remodelers and certified green professionals.
4. Check with Your HOA
Homes that belong to HOAs, or homeowner associations, typically have to abide by certain regulations and standards. This often means that renovations must be approved by your HOA, use certain types of floors or tiles, not change the home’s exterior, and constrict the level of noise created by the construction team. Finding a contractor that can work within HOA limitations is an essential step to building an addition for homeowners that belong to one.
5. Designate a Timeline
A good contractor will give you a timeline for your project, but a great contractor will stick to that timeline. When picking a contractor, choose to work with one that will plan ahead and assign specific dates for steps to be completed.
Remodeling your home can cause sections of it to be in disarray or be unusable for a period of time. That is why it is vital to choose a contractor that understands the inconvenience of construction and works diligently to keep the project on pace.
6. Recognize Safety Concerns
Construction in your home can create hazardous indoor pollutants. It is important to discuss these safety concerns with your contractor, especially if you have pets or children in your home. A good remodeling contractor will already know how to limit these hazards and will be able to suggest more ways of protecting your home, including plastic sheeting and working outside.
If your contractor doesn’t seem concerned about your safety or is practicing unsafe work procedures, it is in your best interest to find someone else to handle your project. At Post & Beam Design/Build, the safety of our clients and our employees is always our number one concern.
7. Establish Clear Prices and Payment
A trustworthy remodeling contractor will clearly lay out the costs of material and labor. He or she will also respect your budget and not add things to your project that will be too costly for what you desire.
It is also important to find a contractor that will work with you on payment amounts and dates. If a contractor is hesitant to disclose numbers or set facts about your project, there could be something untrustworthy or shady about them. A contractor should always be honest and upfront, especially about numbers and prices.
If you are looking for a trustworthy and reliable Baltimore County remodeling contractor, call Post & Beam Design/Build today. Our team is ready to help you with your project!
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