4 Mistakes to Avoid While Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

Are you considering hiring a remodeling contractor for your upcoming home renovation project but unsure who to trust? The thought of investing time and money into a remodel, only to be disappointed by the results, can be daunting.

If you don't research well, you might face many problems. Hiring the wrong contractor could lead to bad workmanship and prolonged project timelines.

At Custom Built, we understand the importance of choosing the right contractor for your project. With over two decades of remodeling experience, we've seen the impact that a trustworthy and skilled contractor can have on a project.

In this article, you'll discover four common mistakes to avoid when hiring a remodeling contractor:

1. Lack of Research into the Company
2. Ignoring References and Reviews
3. Choosing a Contractor Based Solely on Price
4. Not Having an Established Contract

1. Lack of Research into the Company

Before starting your remodeling project, research your contractor candidates. Check Google and social media, and ask your community for recommendations. Personal references are a great way to ensure you hire a trustworthy contractor.

Here is what happens if you hire a contractor without proper research:

• Subpar workmanship or project delays.
• Costly mistakes or disagreements during the project.
• You may miss out on the opportunity to find a contractor who aligns with your vision and values.
• Only using online reviews might not give you the full picture of a contractor's reputation or skills.
• You may overlook warning signs of potential issues, leading to dissatisfaction with the final results.

2. Ignoring References and Reviews

While no company is perfect, researching Google reviews can help you see what a contractor is good at and where they might fall short. Taking the time to read what past clients have to say will give you a better idea of what working with them will be like and spot any possible problems early on.

Ignoring references and reviews can result in the following consequences:

• You may find yourself facing similar issues or frustrations during your remodel.
• Increases the risk of encountering unexpected challenges or conflicts throughout the project.
• May result in overlooking critical red flags about a contractor's reliability or professionalism.
• You may miss out on the opportunity to make an informed decision and hire a reputable contractor.
• May lead to hiring a contractor with a history of poor communication, missed deadlines, or low-quality work.

3. Choosing a Contractor Based Solely on Price

While budget considerations are important, this mistake of selecting a contractor solely because their estimate is the lowest can lead to costly consequences in the long term. Over the years, we’ve seen regrettable errors made by low-cost contractors, ranging from subpar workmanship, a lack of understanding of permitting and regulations, and even unfinished projects. While this isn’t always the case, it’s an important factor to consider. 

Choosing a quality contractor or a design-build approach will cost more. If your goal is to find the lowest-cost contractor, we recommend reading through these three resources to ensure you have a full understanding of your options: 

1. 3 Ways to Get Your Remodel Done
2. 8 Red Flags of a Bad Home Remodeling Contractor
3. Top 3 Things You Haven’t Considered When Hiring a Contractor

Budget considerations are very important. Selecting a contractor based on price isn’t necessarily a negative approach. However, it’s essential to be well-educated in remodeling to avoid potential issues down the road.

4. Not Having an Established Contract

The biggest mistake homeowners make is starting a remodel without a signed contract. Contracts spell out what's expected from both parties, protecting you and the contractor. Make sure your contract covers everything from the design and materials to the final plans and pricing before any money is given or work begins.

Not having an established contract can result in the following outcomes:

• Confusion or miscommunication about responsibilities, deliverables, or payment terms.
• Legal or financial repercussions if issues arise during or after the remodeling project.
• Leaves you unprotected in the event of unforeseen circumstances, disputes, or disagreements.
• You may find yourself vulnerable to changes in pricing, scope, or timelines throughout the project.
• Misunderstandings or disputes between the homeowner and contractor about project details or expectations.

More Tips for Hiring the Right Remodeling Contractor

Here are a few more tips we recommend for hiring the right remodeling contractor for your project:

1. Check Background: Ensure the remodeler has a clean record.
2. Ask About Warranty: Inquire about their workmanship and materials guarantee.
3. Discuss Timeline: Confirm realistic deadlines for your project.
4. Seek Transparency: Look for honesty about costs and challenges.
5. Verify Affiliation: Check if they're part of professional associations like the Home Builders Association (HBA), National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), or Capital Area Landscape & Nurseryman's Association (CALNA).
6. Assess Communication: Ensure they're responsive and available.
7. Review Associated Trade Partners: Check qualifications and insurance.
8. Clarify Change Process: Understand how they handle modifications.
9. Confirm Cleanup Plan: Discuss post-project cleanliness.
10. Trust Your Instincts: Choose a remodeler who inspires confidence.
11. Visit Past Projects: Request to see completed remodels to gauge quality.
12. Check License and Insurance: Ensure they're legally permitted and covered.
13. Discuss Payment Schedule: Clarify payment terms and milestones.
14. Get Everything in Writing: Document all agreements and changes.
15. Ask About Design Input: Determine their level of involvement in the design process.
16. Consider Compatibility: Choose a remodeler whose style aligns with yours.
17. Inquire About Project Management: Learn how they oversee the project from start to finish.
18. Seek Local Experience: Prioritize remodelers who are familiar with local codes and trends.

Next Steps to Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the right remodeling contractor is key. Hiring the wrong one can lead to problems like poor work and communication issues, affecting your project.

By understanding and avoiding the common mistakes outlined in this article, you've taken the first step towards ensuring a successful remodeling contractor experience.

At Custom Built, we're committed to providing exceptional service and quality craftsmanship to our clients. With our extensive experience and dedication to excellence, we're here to support you throughout every stage of your remodeling journey.

Ready to start your remodeling project? Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can bring your vision to life.

Now that you know more about mistakes to avoid while hiring a remodeling contractor, let’s take a look at how to budget for your build, how a design-build firm’s communication style benefits your project, and how to vet your remodeling contractors:

• How to Budget for Your Remodel - Ready to start budgeting for your project? Discover how to approach this task via our informative article.
• 7 Ways Design-Build Firms' Communication Style Benefits Home Remodels - Discover how design-build firms’ communication style can promote the success of your remodeling project.
• Top 8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor - A list of essential questions to ask your prospective remodeling contractor before hiring them for your project; with additional questions included in each section.