Home remodelers refer to contractors as subcontractors, but there is no clear-cut distinction between the two. In fact, home remodelers often use contractors to do some of the work in their projects; it’s not uncommon for remodelers to take on the initial planning, design, and build of a house, then hire a contractor to handle the other tasks that the home remodeler does.
A remodel contractor is an informal term. Most contractors who call themselves a remodel contractor are in fact general contractors whose main business is in major remodels of houses. Be aware that just because they call themselves remodelers doesn’t mean that they specialize in this field. Make sure that they’ve got the proper licenses and are qualified to do the job you have in mind: in most states, a contractor’s license is needed to do major remodel jobs.
When selecting a remodel contractor, make sure that you choose a contractor who can handle the jobs at hand. Make sure that the contractor is experienced, has been doing this kind of work for many years, and is capable of completing the work on time. In some states, it may be necessary to contact the Better Business Bureau for further information regarding specific contractors.
One way to find out if a contractor will do the work you need is to have the contractor give you an estimate. This can be found on the Internet or in a newspaper article about remodelers. Most estimates are for either one or several phases of the project. If the contractor is a general contractor, your estimate should be done after the estimate from another contractor who has already been hired by your remodel contractor.
After getting an estimate from a remodel contractor, get a written contract signed by both parties. The contract should clearly outline the scope of work and include the date for completion and any additional costs for delays in construction. It should also include an estimate of the materials used, the contractor’s fee schedule, and payment methods. It should also state what type of warranty applies, how the materials will be transported to and from the job site, and if a warranty applies.
Your remodel contractor should provide a copy of his or her license. This license should have a seal of approval from the relevant authority (usually the State Contractors Board). It should state clearly that the contractor has had all of the necessary training documents to carry out the work and that he or she is licensed to do the work you want.
Before hiring your remodel contractor, you’ll want to know what his or her credentials are. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and get referrals from people you know and trust. Also, ask for references from your friends, family, and colleagues. You should also research them thoroughly. There are certain guidelines that you may need to follow when hiring a contractor, and the BBB has information on them.
Home remodelers are going to want to hire a contractor with plenty of experience so that he or she can offer you a better service than a contractor without any experience in this field. As long as the remodelers have experience in their area, you can be more confident in their ability to complete your remodel. Even if your project is large, the remodelers should have some experience in handling large jobs.
When you hire your remodel contractor, take your time and make sure you know everything there is to know about him or her. Ask questions about his or her licenses, the amount of training and experience that they have, what kind of facilities and supplies they use, and the reputation of his or her business. Make sure that you’re comfortable with the contractor’s attitude and personality.
It’s important for you to decide who you want your contractor to do your remodeling. If you decide to have him or her do all the work, then you should only work with a contractor that is willing to commit to you and the whole remodeling process.
Your remodeling project can be very successful if you choose a good contractor who will take charge, stick to the schedule, offer great customer service, and finish the project on schedule. The most important thing you can do to ensure that your remodel works properly is to make sure to get a professional contractor who is willing to discuss your needs, expectations, and finish on time.