Are You Considering a Home Remodeling Project in Upland, California or Surrounding and Looking for a Contractor?
Check out what you need to know about hiring a contractor below.
Home remodeling in Upland and Southern California can be an expensive, time-consuming, and stressful – but ultimately hugely rewarding experience. Making sure to hire a competent and experienced local contractor is one of the most essential steps to take before you begin. While there are many things you can take on yourself, more extensive home remodeling projects will always benefit from having an experienced remodeling contractor on site to oversee the day-to-day work, and to deal with various permits and inspections that may be necessary.
Here are 6 steps to take before hiring a home remodeling contractor:
Finalize a Budget and Speak to a Few Upland, California Remodeling Contractors
As you prepare to begin the home remodeling process, it is always best to first get a good grasp on what you would like done to your home so you can finalize a budget. After you have finalized your budget, you should get written estimates from a few contractors – the more the better, making sure to ask specifics about their qualifications and past experience on other projects similar to yours. Some contractors specialize in very specific types of home remodeling, including kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling and doors and windows, while others have experience in a number of different types of work. Getting estimates from multiple contractors will give you a better idea about the typical costs in your area, as well as the quality of work that you should expect.
TIP: Make sure all of the contractors that you speak with are fully licensed, registered, and insured in order to protect yourself and your home.
Ask Around for References or Check Yelp Reviews
If you know anyone who has recently gotten work done on their Southern California home, it can be very helpful to ask them about the process and get references for work done by local contractors in your area. Being able to see firsthand the work that they are capable of doing can be crucial to the decision-making process. Getting these references and checking Yelp reviews will also help you to avoid hiring any contractors who may not communicate well or who are not timely with their work.
TIP: If you do not have anyone to ask for references, ask your contractor for a portfolio of their work to get an accurate idea of what to expect when your project is completed.
Ask Yourself – Is This Remodeling Contractor Easy to Work With?
Depending on the scope of your remodeling project, you may be spending a lot of time working with your Upland area remodeling contractor on the details of your remodel. Hiring someone who is easy to communicate with and get a hold of is essential to make sure things go as smoothly as possible.
TIP: Ask who your point of contact will be throughout the project, as this is who you will be calling with any questions or concerns.
Get an Itemized Bid for Your Home Remodeling Project
An itemized bid will help you be able to get an accurate picture of where your money is going, and it is also a helpful tool when you are looking to cut costs. You should also ask if their bid is fixed or an estimate – if it is just an estimate, the project could end up costing a lot more than you anticipated, so it is always a good idea to know exactly what you are going to be paying for.
TIP: You often may be able to get free estimates for smaller projects, but be prepared to pay a deposit for any proposals involving extensive and time-consuming large-scale remodeling work.
Ask Who Will Be on Site
It is vital to know who will be coming in and out of your house every day, so you should ask your home remodeling contractor how long they have worked with their various crews and subcontractors. General Contractors who have worked in the area for a long time will typically have an established list of suppliers and subcontractors that they have done work with in the past.
TIP: You can request that your contractor perform background checks on any employees that will have access to your home if they have not done so already.
Get a Written Contract/Agreement for the Work
A detailed written contract will protect both you and the contractor throughout the entire remodeling process. You will want the contract to include projected start and end dates, as well as details about what you are paying for in terms of labor and materials. A contract should also include proof of liability insurance and a detailed payment schedule, including due dates for each installment.
TIP: Make sure not to sign anything until you have fully reviewed and understand the terms of the contract.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all the work that goes along with taking on home improvement projects, but once you have hired the right contractor for your goals, you should be able to breathe a little easier. Having an expert walk you through each step of the process will both lighten the load on your end and put your mind at ease that should something go wrong – you are both protected.
