***updated 10/5/16***
Driving around the Nashville area, it’s obvious that many people are looking to make improvements to their homes. From exterior renovations, to additional rooms to a simple kitchen remodel, Nashville is bustling with home renovations. Thanks to a large number of DIY programs and tutorials, some homeowners are tackling these projects themselves. However, for more ambitious plans or for projects involving particular skill sets (plumbing, electrical work) it’s much safer and smarter to work with a professional home contractor.
So, how does one get started on a home remodel or renovation? Finding the right person for the job is a good start, although this is not always as easy as it sounds. Many homeowners experience frustration in working with contractors, and often it could have been avoided by doing more research up front. So, here are 5 tips for hiring a contractor that may help.
- Ask for referrals – It’s true that hiring the wrong guy for the job could cause delays. Even worse, hiring the wrong person could mean unsatisfactory work. One of the easiest ways to avoid this mistake is by asking friends, neighbors, and co-workers who they’ve used and been happy with on their own remodels. We see many referrals passed on Facebook these days. If no one has any referrals for you, call contractors and ask them to provide referrals. Happy customers will no doubt give glowing reviews about the quality of work and the experience of working with that contractor.
- Licensed, Bonded & Insured – Make sure that you are working with a true professional, one that has earned certification proving his knowledge and expertise in his field.
- Shop Around – Get a few bids on the project. This will get you familiar with the pricing. Be equally wary of noticeable high and low quotes. Ask for more specific information about why the numbers differ from the norm.
- Know Who Does The Work – It’s extremely common for contractors to subcontract out on specialty jobs. This should not cause any problems, but you will want to be aware of who all is in your house and working on these jobs.
- Contract – Get a written contract at the beginning that very clearly states the who, what, where, and cost of your project. In this contract you can do things like ask for all receipts and request that work be paid incrementally as it’s completed. Regardless of the specifics, having a contract will help avoid some of the more common miscommunications between a contractor and homeowner.
These tips for hiring a contractor are really just a start. Perhaps the most important tip for working with contractors: exercise patience. Even with the most skilled professionals, there can be delays and unexpected expenses. Additionally, the more comprehensive the job, the longer workers are in your house. That alone can create a great deal of stress if you aren’t prepared.
For even more tips, see this guide from Houzz.com.
Interested in the remodeled houses around Nashville? Get in touch with us at 615.550.5565 and we can show you several listings of renovated houses in the area!