Many homeowners look for remodelers near me when looking for a remodeling contractor. Before you hire a company to do a renovation project, make sure they are licensed, have the right insurance, and have experience. Read our article to learn about subcontractors and other important factors to consider when hiring a remodeling company. We also discuss how to evaluate their experience and references. After all, we are in the business of making our homes look better.
Subcontractors
While a home renovation contractor can manage a large project on their own, a subcontractor can take care of many tasks. The contractor oversees a construction site, manages vendors and trades, and serves as a central communication point for the renovation project. They assess project documents and site selection and offer fixed price bids or cost plus price contracts based on the cost of materials, equipment, office space, and labor.
Home renovation contractors can be a bit dicey, as it can go horribly wrong if the contractor is not meticulous. Substandard workmanship can cause delays, a bill that grows with each passing day, or even the contractor disappearing completely. Complaints against home renovation contractors are among the top five categories of complaints filed with the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs. In 2017, fines amounted to $1.5 million.
License
There are 35 states that require remodeling contractors to be licensed, while 15 do not. While some states require a business license, others only require the remodeling contractor to post a bond. Regardless of the licensing process, these agencies exist to protect consumers and keep bad apples out of the industry. Check with your state to find out what’s required. Here are some guidelines for hiring a licensed remodeling contractor. Make sure to ask about any complaints or fines filed against the contractor.
Applicants must first fill out an application to become a Home Improvement Contractor. This application requires a fifty-dollar fee, but it does not guarantee a license. It requires a major credit card to submit an application online, and convenience fees apply. Make sure to read the application requirements carefully and click on “Apply Online” to get started. You can also apply in person. Please note, however, that submitting the application in person is still the preferred option.
Insurance
If you’re planning to hire a home renovation contractor, you’ll need to get the right insurance coverage. While homeowners insurance typically covers most home renovation projects, the contractor’s work can significantly affect the amount of coverage your policy will provide. If you want to avoid the hassle of a lawsuit, you need to be sure to contact your home insurance agent. Some contractors may even need additional coverage, such as liability insurance. Listed below are some tips to keep in mind while hiring a home renovation contractor.
Make sure your contractor has insurance. It’s not smart to work with a bare-bones liability policy, which will expose you to a multitude of risks. Look for insurance from a trusted company that has specific insurance for home renovation contractors. Insurance for home renovation contractors from companies like Southwest Marine have a reputation for being a top choice in the industry. This insurance company has easy-to-understand forms, as well as increased excess liability limits.
Experience
Hiring a home renovation contractor can feel like gambling. Everyone has heard horror stories about terrible contractors, who never came back or whose estimates were three times higher than their actual costs. Fortunately, there are ways to increase the odds of hiring a good contractor. Listed below are some tips to make the process easier. You might even consider hiring a remodeling contractor who is also an architect. But you’ll need to know a few things before making a final decision.
Before you select a home renovation contractor, it’s important to ask for references and get at least three bids. Before making a final decision, make sure you talk to each of them about the quality of their work and how well they communicate with their clients. Ask about their reliability, their ability to work within your budget, and whether or not they have any subcontractors. Make sure you check their references carefully, because only 10% of homeowners who request bids actually call references!