HOW TO: Hiring a Contractor Series - Part 1

PART 1

So you are ready to remodel your home but you have heard multiple horror stories about contractors leaving your house a mess or not finishing the work that they started. Well my friends, I am here to help! I am going to give you the lowdown on hiring a contractor, getting great results and with an experience as enjoyable as possible.

Let's face it, remodeling your home is not going to be rainbows and unicorns! It is an invasive process, and if you live through it you need to be prepared for some stress associated with the process. Demolishing existing materials and fixtures, covering and moving furniture, and dealing with lots of construction dust is inevitable. However, if you are aware and prepared for this ahead of time and your contractor is considerate of your personal space, you will get through it and end up with the beautiful home remodel of your dreams. 

Over the next several weeks this series will provide you with some insight on how to hire a contractor and get the best results! 

DO YOUR RESEARCH

• Ask around town for referrals. This is one of the best way to find someone reputable; however you can always find someone through advertisements. A contractor who has invested in advertising their company and has a web site and/or various social media outlets is most likely here to stay. Look for an updated web site, Facebook page, Pinterest account, Blog, and/or Twitter account. Basically look for investment in advertising beyond a Craigslist post (there is nothing wrong with Craigslist... but it shouldn't be the contractors only source of advertisement). 
•  If you are calling a contractor from an advertisement make sure to ask them about work they have previously done and if they have a portfolio to share with you. For example, Investcove makes 'before and after' videos of their completed projects. Demonstration of work gives the client a visual and provides a portfolio of work in process and available to be viewed at any time. If the contractor does not have anything to show, keep searching.
• Make sure they are licensed and insured. There are laws in place to protect both the homeowner and the contractor, however, no laws will protect you if you hire an unlicensed person or company. A contractor should be able to provide you with their license, worker's compensation insurance or exemption, and general liability insurance. If your contractor does not have these items, you need to find one who does. 

Blog post by Aja De Los Santos, GM & Head Designer at Investcove Properties