Top 3 Things You Haven’t Considered When Hiring a Contractor

Choosing the right home remodeling contractor can be a challenging process. There are several unique considerations that are often overlooked but can significantly impact your remodeling experience.

As a remodeler with 15+ years of experience, we understand the factors that set a contractor apart from the rest. Considering these additional questions when choosing a contractor ensures you have the best possible experience remodeling your home. This includes some things you may not have considered during your search for a remodeler.

In this article, you will learn three impactful things you may have not considered that will significantly affect your experience working with a contractor.

1. What kind of experience do you want with a contractor?

What level of input do you want in your project?

Every remodeling contractor has a different process for getting the job done. Some contractors will get their client’s input at every step of the process while others require little involvement.

From the design process of your remodel, to how you want the job site to run, consider asking yourself these questions when hiring a contractor:

Do you want a contractor that values your opinion during the design phase? Ask the prospective contractor what their design process looks like. How is it defined? How is it organized? How is it presented to you as product selections?

Knowing the level of involvement your contractor expects from you during their process, is an important consideration to be aligned on.

Structure of the process

As stated earlier, different contractors have different remodeling processes. Some may have a set process, whereas others approach each project differently.

Consider whether you want a structured remodeling process or something more individualized. While some people feel secure with a set-in-stone process, others may want something a little different.

Communication

Communication, whether excellent or poor, is a defining factor of your overall experience with a contractor. Asking about communication procedures will give you insight into what your experience will be like. 

Does your contractor have a specific communication platform? How often will you be updated about your project? How will your contractor address your questions or concerns? What should you expect with communication during construction?

Knowing communication procedures ahead of time will set good expectations.

An example of why setting communication procedures ahead of time is important is to inform you or provide you with updates on the following construction activities:

• Delivery date for project materials
• Who are you speaking with when issues arise
• Beginning date for demolition and construction
• Who is your main point of contact for daily activities
• Arrival time for construction crew and trade partners

For example, at Custom Built we utilize an online project management software called Buildertrend. This allows us to keep clients updated on their schedule, change orders, and issues.

Your experience during construction

Knowing what your contractor values during construction is crucial to choosing the right contractor for your project. 

Remodeling a home can be disruptive. However, a good contractor will have procedures in place to improve your experience during construction so it will have less of an impact on your daily life including:

• Using dust screens to keep living areas clean
• Asking for a dedicated restroom to use so your privacy is not compromised 
• Keeping the job site clean of debris and danger
• Discussing a plan for your kitchen use (if this space will be disrupted/unusable during construction)
• Keeping your family safe on an active construction site

2. Does your contractor give back?

Is your prospective contractor an active member of the community? There are a number of ways a company can contribute to commerce and community including:

• Providing pathways for careers in the industry
• Internships
• Apprenticeships
• Skilled job training
• Presentations to secondary schools
• Donating time and materials to worthy causes
• Individual families
• Non-profit organizations
• Community involvement

3. Will your contractor take care of you after construction?

While your experience during the remodeling process is important, your experience after construction is equally important. Understanding a contractor’s post-construction policies and warranties is something that you want to consider when choosing a remodeling contractor. 

Typically, a contractor offers some type of warranty on workmanship for their projects. Most reliable contractors offer a lifetime workmanship warranty. Product warranties through your contractor’s suppliers are also a common protection for the consumer. 

What does the follow-up on your project look like for your project? Is there an annual check-in? Does the relationship extend beyond the project completion?

Next steps for finding a remodeling contractor

Selecting a remodeling contractor for your project without taking everything into account may leave you with an undesirable experience. Understanding these three things you may not have considered is crucial to having an overall positive remodeling experience.

As a remodeling contractor with over 15 years of experience, we are a contractor committed to providing our clients with a positive remodeling experience. Additionally, we want to answer your questions about the remodeling process as a whole, whether we design and build your project, or whether you select another contractor.

To find out more about Custom Built’s remodeling services, book an appointment with one of our project development advisors. We would be happy to discuss your project and see if we are the right fit for you.

To learn more about home remodeling and finding the right contractor, check out the following articles:

• Ten Questions to Ask a Deck Contractor
• Top 5 Remodeling Contractors in Lansing, MI
• Choosing the Right Kitchen Remodeling Contractor