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How do I find a good remodeling contractor? Clearly define your home remodeling project. Ask homeowners in your neighborhood. Look at online reviews. Don’t set a minimum (or maximum) number of estimates. Busy can be a good sign. Trust your instincts. Go with a pro. Ask how long the contractor has been in business.
How do I choose a remodeling contractor?
So, here are six things to consider when choosing a contractor for your next home remodel project. Know What You Want. Ask Your Friends and Family. Look for Online Reviews. Speak With Multiple Contractors. Check References and BBB Ratings.
What should you not say to a contractor?
Seven Things to Never Say to a Contractor Never Tell a Contractor They are the Only One Bidding on the Job. Don’t Tell a Contractor Your Budget. Never Ask a Contractor for a Discount if You Pay Upfront. Don’t Tell a Contractor That You Aren’t in A Hurry. Do Not Let a Contractor Choose the Materials.
What are the steps to remodeling a house?
Renovation Rundown: What Are the Steps in a Home Renovation? Make a plan. Assess what you’d like to renovate and set priorities, says Houzz. Set a budget. Hire a contractor. Talk to your insurance company. Secure permits and order materials. Start demolition. Work behind the walls. Paint and install flooring.
How do I talk to a contractor?
With a few helpful tips, you can talk to contractors confidently and on your terms. Establish A Communication Schedule for Renovations. Construction Workers’ Accommodations. Ask for All Renovation Changes in Writing. Renovation Progress Reports and Walkthroughs. Be Clear and Direct.
How do you tell if a contractor is ripping you off?
Here are the 20 signs of a bad contractor, according to the pros: They Don’t Have Good Reviews. They Overcommit to Work. They Lack the Necessary Experience. They Start Work, Disappear, Then Start Again. Their Rates Are Significantly Lower Than Others. They Don’t Get the Right Permits. They Don’t Like Written Agreements.
Should I pay a contractor half up front?
A: It’s not uncommon for contractors to ask for a down payment up front to secure your spot on their schedule or purchase some of the job materials in advance. Asking for more than half of the project cost up front, though, is a big red flag. I recommend tying payments to progress made during the job.
Can you negotiate price with contractors?
A: Yes, you can negotiate with a contractor; the trick is doing it without making it feel like a negotiation. Anytime you’re haggling over someone’s work (versus a mass-produced product like a car or flat-screen television), look for a way to ask for a lower price without any suggestion of insult.
What comes first in a home renovation?
The kitchen should always be one of the first projects to tackle because homeowners want to make a good first impression, and it is one of the rooms where guests spend the most time. “This renovation includes new cabinets, flooring, appliances, countertops and often, the layout, to open up more space,” Muller says.
What comes first when remodeling a house?
This is why experts agree that choosing to remodel your kitchen or bathroom first is traditionally the smartest move. And while kitchens typically cost more to remodel than bathrooms, they tend to yield a better return on investment, so they end up paying for themselves over the long run.
What is the first thing to do when remodeling a house?
Step 1: Planning. Nail down a budget. Step 2: Demolition. Step 3: HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing. Step 4: Framing and Drywall. Step 5: Painting. Step 6: Cabinets & Fixtures. Step 7: Doors & Windows. Step 8: Clean House & Air Vents.
Why do contractors fail?
Contractor failure usually is the result of multiple causes. Contractors may default if there are drastic financial changes due to the economy, unforeseen changes in job site conditions, or death or illness of a key employee.
What are good questions to ask a contractor?
5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor Would You Please Itemize Your Bid? Is Your Bid an Estimate or a Fixed Price? How Long Have You Been Doing Business in This Town? Who Are Your Main Suppliers? I’d Like to Meet the Job Foreman — Can You Take Me to a Project He’s Running.
Why are contractors so unreliable?
Contractors are often considered to be unreliable because of the reputation earned from inexperienced or unprofessional craftsmen.
How do I protect myself when paying a contractor?
Some other best practices to keep in mind as you finalize a written agreement: Make sure the contractor obtains a permit if the job requires one. Ask for a copy of the contractor’s license and proof of insurance. Pay by check and get a receipt. Document any changes to the contract in writing.
Should you give a contractor a deposit?
Contractors cannot ask for a deposit of more than 10 percent of the total cost of the job or $1,000, whichever is less. * (This applies to any home improvement project, including swimming pools.) Stick to your schedule of payments and don’t let payments get ahead of the completed work.
What should a contractor’s estimate include?
It isn’t uncommon for contractors to give an “estimate” of how much they anticipate the work will cost. An estimate should be the contractor’s best professional assessment, including the cost of hiring any subcontractors, the price of materials, and any other labor involved.
