May 2021 Blog

Have you been to Home Depot or Lowe's recently? If so, you know that the SPENDING IS ON!!

In speaking with our contractors, they have let us know that “Business is Booming”! That is GREAT for Contractors! However, this may be not so great for homeowners….

Why? We are Americans and we have a tendency to be impatient :). Especially when we want a new kitchen or bathroom. Unfortunately, too many homeowners get impatient and may choose the wrong contractor.

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Here are some tips for choosing the right contractor!

Reliability:

Get references - Contractors having a list of satisfied clients is expected. Don't be afraid to ask for that list or even pictures of their past work.

Check online reviews - People will let their voices be heard if they feel that their contractor left them with headaches.

Licensed & Insured - If they are Licensed & Insured, they should have no problem providing you with a copy of these documents

BBB Accredited - This is a good resource. It is a 3rd-Party that measures customer satisfaction

Response time (Even from your first inquiry) - If it takes more than 24 hours for someone to get back to you, imagine what it will be like once they have your money!

Are they Incorporated - Do they have an S-Corp, LLC, etc?

Does their Estimate and Contract look professional? - Sounds silly, but "attention to detail" begins at their proposal

Timeframe - Do they provide a definitive Start and End Date in their Estimate?

Affordability:

Compare - Get multiple bids... sounds like common sense, but we have it listed for a reason

"Apples-to-Apples" - Provide contractors with a "Scope of Work" to ensure that the bids are comparing the same items that you want completed (Ask them about the materials that they will use too!.. The quality of materials make a difference)

Never pay for an estimate - If you find a contractor that makes you pay for an estimate…. RUN!

Require that the estimate be broken down into Material and Labor (more about this in June Blog) - You may have to bend their arm on this one (not literally)

Does their estimate "break-down the costs of materials and labor"? (more about this in June Blog)

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This is a good starting point for finding your right contractor. In our June Blog, we will be providing some tips on how you can protect yourself from disagreements and possible legal battles with your contractor!

If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to Call or Text Us (412)580-0054