Thinking about doing an exterior home remodel this year? Whether you’re ready to totally transform your house, or you just want a few changes made here and there, you likely have quite a few home remodeling questions, especially when it comes to finding the right exterior remodeling contractor. But how do you go about finding the right remodeling contractor for your next home remodeling project? Do you hit the yellow pages? Ask friends and family for referrals? And what it if you do choose someone who’s been referred to you by a family member, friend, or colleague? What then? Do you just hire them, or are there other things you need to know about them? The fact is that finding the right exterior remodeling contractor can be challenging, especially if you don’t know where to start. Here’s a checklist of some of the most important questions you should arm yourself with when interviewing prospective exterior home remodeling contractors.
What is the schedule?
Besides begin dates and end dates, you need to know how often contractors, subcontractors, and all those involved in working on your project will be there to actually work on your project. Unfortunately, some contractors are notorious for leaving folks hanging for days, weeks, or even months at a time, and it’s vital that you know the projected schedule ahead of time. Discuss your needs, and understand that you may not be the only project they’re working on. You may need to compromise a little, but don’t compromise too much. If you get the feeling that a home contractor you’re interviewing will put you off, by all means, don’t ignore such a red flag. If your project must be completed by a certain date, when negotiating and drawing up the contract, add the words ‘time is of the essence.’ These 4 words will show them you mean business, and they will help you to avoid problems down the road.
Who will be at my home working on my project?
It’s important that you know that the person or persons you interview may not be the person or persons who will actually be performing the work. Ask all prospective contractors who will perform all work, and ask to meet every person who’ll be at your home doing your exterior home remodeling project. Additionally, ask to whom you should direct any questions. If a contractor says you should direct all questions to him, but then you find out later he’s not going to be on the job at all, you may want to consider hiring someone else. It’s important that you’ll be able to communicate on a regular basis.
How will you protect my home?
This is very important, especially if you’ve got demo that needs to be done. Ask how they’ll contain dust particles and how and when they’ll conduct cleanup. You also need to ask about what types of insurance they have. You need to know that if something goes wrong, you’ll be covered and you won’t have to dip into your insurance, or worse, pay out of your own pocket for someone else’s mistake.
How will you handle changes in the order?
There will almost always be changes that need to be made, as you never know what situations can pop up during any exterior home remodeling project. Be sure to ask how changes will be handled, and get the answer to this question in writing. Include it on your contract, and make sure that changes in the scope of the work, cost, and materials are signed by both you and your contractor.
Entrusting your home to someone is a tough thing to do, especially if you don’t know that person. But how many people know an exterior remodeling contractor? The fact is that most homeowners who are embarking on an exterior home remodeling project aren’t best buds with someone they know will do a good job on their project. Before you think you’re ready to hire an exterior home remodeling contractor, you need to prepare a list of questions you’ll ask each and every prospective contractor. Don’t be afraid to ask every question on your list, and consider throwing in a few home remodeling questions, just to make sure they know their craft. And when you get to the final two contractors, make them work for your business!
