5 Tips to Find a Good Remodeling Contractor in Your Area
If you’re planning to remodel your home, one of your first steps is to find a good remodeling contractor to complete the job. Finding a reliable, reputable contractor is important in ensuring your project is completed successfully, on time, and within budget — but there’s a lot more that goes into that process than you may think.
Need some tips to aid in your search? We’ve got you covered.
5 Tips to Find a Good Remodeling Contractor in Your Area
There are probably plenty of remodeling contractors within your area, so the sole act of finding one shouldn’t be too difficult. The challenge really lies in finding a good one that checks all your boxes. Here are some guidelines to help.
1. Outline Your Project Goals and Budget
Before you even begin your search, you’ll want to outline your project goals and budget. These two activities are critical to ensuring you have a solid plan going forward.
Are you hoping for a large addition? A complete floor plan change? A passive-home design? Or are you just wanting to change out your old cabinets?
With a good understanding of what you want and what you expect out of your remodel, you’ll set yourself up for success by having a thorough plan to base your decision on.
2. Find the Right Contractor for Your Project
Every contractor is different. They have different services, processes, and price points. Your goal is to find the right one for your specific project — whether it be small- or large-scale. Take those goals and that budget you’ve outlined, and put them to good use!
Do you need a full design-build company with plenty of five-star reviews? Or can the neighborhood handyman come over for a few hours on Saturday and complete the job just as well?
Knowing this information can help you narrow down that extensive list of contractors you may be looking at — both by services and by pricing. Your goal is to find a contractor who is an expert in your type of project, and whose services fall within your budget.
3. Ask for References
The best way to do initial remodeling contractor scouting is through word of mouth. Start by asking your family and friends of any projects they’ve had done in the past, who did them, and how they liked the result. If their recommendations don’t quite cut it, try a search on Google, Angie’s List, Yelp, or Houzz.
Of course, the things you hear through word of mouth aren’t always 100% accurate. Maybe a Facebook friend had a terrible experience with one contractor because of unforeseen circumstances. Or, maybe that kitchen remodel your mom had done was 10 years ago and her contractor doesn’t provide the same services anymore.
Regardless, it’s best to look at each contractor’s website or give them a call to learn more about them and make sure everything you were told still holds true.
4. Compare Processes
Not all contractors or construction firms offer comprehensive, in-house services. Many contract with outside designers, architects, etc., which can make your project costly, inefficient, and lacking in cohesion. Find a design-build firm that can coordinate all parts of your project seamlessly with clearly outlined processes, so that you have a clear picture of the roadmap of your project and you are empowered to collaborate in its development.
5. Check Credentials
The final step to finding a good remodeling contractor in your area is checking their credentials. Whoever you choose, you’ll want to make sure they have the appropriate licensing, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation needed to take on your project. All of these credentials help you vet their credibility and protect yourself from potential challenges down the road.
The type of contractor licensing required can vary based on where you live. In Boulder, CO, the licenses are as follows:
- Class A – commercial or residential construction
- Class B – residential work, commercial remodeling, or tenant finish
- Class C – one- and two-family residential (Tectonic Design + Build holds this license)
- Class M – deconstruction, masonry, grading and excavations, solar photo-voltaic equipment installation and repair, window replacements, re-siding, installation of listed wood-burning appliances, one-story pre-engineered agricultural buildings, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and more.
- Roofing – new roofing and re-roofing
Matching your goals with a remodeling contractor in your area doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re looking for a larger-scope remodel that prioritizes performance and craftsmanship, the Tectonic Design + Build team is the Boulder, CO remodeling contractor for you. Reach out to learn more about what we do and how we can help facilitate your upcoming project.
