CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR
How do you choose the BEST Contractor for your upcoming home improvement project?
With so many options, review sites, and word of mouth suggestions it can be difficult to know which company to consider contacting. How do you narrow down the countless contracting companies into a manageable list?
With so many options, review sites, and word of mouth suggestions it can be difficult to know which company to consider contacting. How do you narrow down the countless contracting companies into a manageable list?
Read on to discover 5 ways to narrow your search for a contractor.
Engage with Reputable Contracting Companies
1. ALWAYS begin any construction project by visiting your Local Builders Association’s website for a list of reputable builders in your area.
Contractors, Renovators, and Sub-Trades that join the Association are obligated to abide by the the Associations Code of Ethics and demonstrates their commitment to professional standards.
Contractors, Renovators, and Sub-Trades that join the Association are obligated to abide by the the Associations Code of Ethics and demonstrates their commitment to professional standards.
TIP: If you are between cities, try using both as a starting point.
Website Vetting
2. ONCE you’ve compiled a list of reputable contractors, review their websites.
Consider the contents more than the layout. A Contractor will ensure the information they regard as important is included.
Look for their Memberships & Affiliated Associations.
Do they include client testimonials that reference specific projects?
Are there links to reviews from third party sources such as Google or Houzz?
Do they have resources for potential clients to use?
Is there a description of their procedures or what to expect?
Consider the contents more than the layout. A Contractor will ensure the information they regard as important is included.
Look for their Memberships & Affiliated Associations.
Do they include client testimonials that reference specific projects?
Are there links to reviews from third party sources such as Google or Houzz?
Do they have resources for potential clients to use?
Is there a description of their procedures or what to expect?
Tip: Look for content that explains itself clearly & concisely, good communication is integral to a successful renovation.
Photographs of Completed Projects
3. CONSIDER the size and scope of your project, does it match with the builders showcased projects?
Photographs should be high resolution and clearly show the completed work, not just the décor.
If you are looking for a whole home renovation, ensure the companies you are considering have completed similar projects and have the necessary experience. However, keep in mind a smaller company may be a better fit if you are just wanting to update your kitchen counters and resurface the cabinets, they will have the right industry connections and be better able to schedule in a smaller job.
Photographs should be high resolution and clearly show the completed work, not just the décor.
If you are looking for a whole home renovation, ensure the companies you are considering have completed similar projects and have the necessary experience. However, keep in mind a smaller company may be a better fit if you are just wanting to update your kitchen counters and resurface the cabinets, they will have the right industry connections and be better able to schedule in a smaller job.
Tip: Before and after photos will better demonstrate experience and level of skill
Client Reviews
4. WHAT do you appreciate and consider compelling, do their reviews reflect what you are looking for in a contractor?
Look for statements that include good communication, overcoming challenges, and quality of onsite crew or subtrades. When faced with unexpected complications; how and when the contractor communicates, options given, and the ability of their crew to manage solutions are good indicators for how smoothly your remodelling project will go.
Look for statements that include good communication, overcoming challenges, and quality of onsite crew or subtrades. When faced with unexpected complications; how and when the contractor communicates, options given, and the ability of their crew to manage solutions are good indicators for how smoothly your remodelling project will go.
Tip: Explore several sources. Google, Houzz, and Facebook will give a broad overview. Reviews on Contractor websites can indicate what they strive to and take pride in.
An Itemized Estimate, Transparent Billing, and a Written Warranty
5. TRUSTED Contractors will provide you with an Itemized Estimate at the Contract Signing. Itemizing the estimate shows where your budget is allocated and facilitates transparent billing.
Transparent Billing is when the Contractor provides labour and material reports that can be cross referenced with both the related invoice and the itemized estimate. This is important whether you sign a Fixed Fee or Cost-Plus Contract. Check that your Contractor provides supporting documentation with their Invoices.
A Written Warranty will clearly define the warranty coverage on materials and workmanship, any limitations, and how to access the service. Providing peace of mind that your contractor stands behind their work, even better, this indicates their intention for an ongoing relationship.
Transparent Billing is when the Contractor provides labour and material reports that can be cross referenced with both the related invoice and the itemized estimate. This is important whether you sign a Fixed Fee or Cost-Plus Contract. Check that your Contractor provides supporting documentation with their Invoices.
A Written Warranty will clearly define the warranty coverage on materials and workmanship, any limitations, and how to access the service. Providing peace of mind that your contractor stands behind their work, even better, this indicates their intention for an ongoing relationship.
Tip: Membership in local associations and involvement in community projects indicate social responsibility and business integrity.
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