Home remodeling projects aren’t just about construction. They involve professionals doing labor-intensive tasks while simultaneously creating and maintaining administrative duties. It also requires careful planning and consideration of materials. With this much responsibility at hand, your choice of a home remodeling contractor can make or break your project.
Working with a reputable contractor can help you maximize your investment. That said, here are 6 qualities to look for in a Sacramento home remodeling contractor.
1. Licensed and Insured
Official papers are not only a sign of professionalism but will also protect you in the event of legal issues. Having the right licenses and insurance demonstrates a Sacramento general contractor’s credibility. It shows that they have taken exams and proven their understanding of local and state building codes.
Working with a contractor who isn’t insured may expose you to liability if a worker gets hurt on your property. The same is true if there are damages to your neighbor’s home. You can check with the Contractors State License Board to determine whether a contractor is licensed.
Consider working with a contractor who is bonded. Otherwise known as a surety bond, it protects you if the contractor defaults on the project. The license, insurance cover, and bond provide a strong protection net for everyone.
2. Good Track Record and Reputable
You are putting someone else in charge of your home. As such, you must hire a home remodeling contractor with a good track record and reputation. Start by asking for referrals from your friends and family. Who have they had good experiences with? How did their contractor handle unexpected challenges? Would they work with the contractor again?
Subcontractors and current customers can also help you learn more about a contractor’s workmanship. Ask customers to share their personal experiences. Find out if subcontractors provide red flags like substandard materials or late payments.
A contractor who is proud of their past work won’t hesitate to show off with testimonials on their website. You should also check online review websites like Google, Yelp, Home Advisor, and Angie’s List. The overall trend of customer reviews and the type of projects reviewed will tell you a lot about a company’s track record.
3. Clear Communication and Rapport
On major home renovations, the general contractor becomes part of the family. They spend days, weeks, or even months in your home. This makes a good rapport even more important. Nothing is worth enduring months of stress and tension from bad chemistry with your contractor.
Look for home remodelers with excellent communication skills who will do regular project updates. They should be able to break down instructions and delegate tasks efficiently. A contractor with good communication skills will keep you in the loop and inform you of decisions that need to be made.
You can often gauge a contractor’s communication skills during the bidding process. Avoid anyone difficult to get in touch with when providing estimates. If a contractor can’t address your questions and concerns during the initial consultation, it’s a good idea to re-examine your choice before signing a contract.
4. Honest and Trustworthy
Your home is a major asset and its care shouldn’t be entrusted to just anyone. As such, you need a contractor who is honest and trustworthy in every aspect of their work. A good contractor should signal trustworthiness from the get-go. They will bring copies of the license and insurance with them to the initial meeting.
Check the company’s website as well. If it contains vital details like physical mailing address and contact information, then the home remodeling contractor is likely trustworthy. Another sign of an honest contractor is a transparent pricing policy. No one wants to deal with hidden fees once a project is over.
A good company will be able to provide you with a contract that specifies the scope of the project, materials that will be used, work schedule, and timeline of the renovation. Timelines provide a baseline for tracking the project, and the contractor should be forthcoming about any unexpected changes that occur.
5. Experienced
Not surprisingly, experience and expertise are among the top qualities to look for in-home remodeling contractors. They become experts in their line of work through years of experience. Someone with years of experience under their belt will be able to handle anything that comes their way. They will be able to accurately assess the scope of work and resources needed to get it done.
Contractors need to be more than just competent at their craft – they should be experts. To be considered experts in the home renovation industry is a feat achieved by establishing a reputation for excellence. Such contractors know the best solutions to your problem and are highly adaptable and passionate about what they do.
6. Knowledgeable and Goal-Oriented
With experience comes knowledge about everything from upfront planning to work-around solutions for challenges. For instance, it is a major red flag if a contractor doesn’t take measurements and try to understand your problem when they come to your home. The best home remodeler understands that collecting data is crucial to the success of the project.
Being goal-oriented should be second nature to any Sacramento home remodeling contractor you work with. You need someone who can set and meet tight deadlines while allowing leeway for shifting schedules. A competent contractor should be able to deal with unforeseen circumstances; set flexible timelines and achievable deadlines, and delegate tasks accordingly.
Expert Sacramento Home Remodeling Contractor You Can Trust
Whether you are looking to update your bathroom or kitchen, working with a professional contractor can save you time and money. The good news is that you are now prepared to start your search for a qualified Sacramento home remodeling contractor. That said, the team at Solid Construction & Design ticks all of the above boxes.
We pride ourselves on robust home remodeling services and getting the job done right each time. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help.
