So you’ve decided to tackle a home improvement project and now you need a contractor. No matter what the size of your project, from a simple set of shelves to an entire home remodel, choosing a contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make. After speaking to several local professionals in the field, we have come up with a list of tips to help make the process of choosing (and working with) your contractor run a little smoother. —Rachel Gallaher
A successful bathroom remodel. Courtesy The Finish Company.
- Communication. According to all of the professionals we spoke to, communication is the most important element in the contractor-client relationship. Without effective communication, problems or uncertainties may arise during the construction process and end up costing both the homeowner and contractor extra money and time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice concerns. “Be upfront and honest about what you expect and open in your communication,” says Marc Vassallo, Business Development Director of Schultz Miller. “Expect the same of your contractor. The biggest problems really do arise when there is poor contractor-client communication.”
- Be clear about your expectations and have thoroughly drawn and documented project plans. It is essential that homeowners go into the bidding process with accurate documentation (both written and drawn) of what they are looking for in their remodel. If a client gives bids to several contractors, but doesn’t have architectural drawings or specifications, each contractor may have their own interpretations of the requests. This may lead to vastly different costs, and the potential that the finished project will not match what the client originally envisioned. Verbal requests for anything are not sufficient.
- Set a budget. Be forthright about budget limitations from the beginning of the project. Track the budget in written form throughout the entire process. If a client doesn’t specify exactly how much they are willing to spend, costs may go beyond their budget and cause tension between them, the architect and the contractor. It is wise for homeowners to have a budget cushion above and beyond the estimated cost of the project. That way, if extra expenses arise, there will be resources to cover them. “Before the project starts, write out the budget and scope of work,” suggests Michael Grabham, owner of The Finish Company. “If anything changes while the project is in progress, write out a change of order. Documenting everything and maintaining good communication between client and contractor eliminates many potential issues.”
- Schedule weekly meetings. This goes hand-in-hand with communication and is especially important for large-scale projects that take up a lot of time. According to Cathy Gaspar of Gaspar’s Construction, weekly meetings are important so that the client fully understands what is going on through each step of the construction process. This way, if there are questions on either side, they can be addressed in a timely manner, hopefully helping to keep the project on its timeline. The Finish Company’s Grabham adds that creating a timeline is important. “Make sure you keep the schedule updated with changes so you can hold a contractor accountable. You can ask for discounts if your project is not done by a certain date or give bonuses if it is done before a certain date.”
- Make sure all the contractors you bid to are comparable in size, and offer comparable bids. Potential contractors should be similar in firm size, overhead costs, customer service values, workmanship and previous project experience. If three reputable contractors offer similar bids, and a smaller, more inexperienced company offers a significantly lower bid, the client should question this fourth offer. The price may seem desirable, but in return, clients risk receiving lower quality materials or craftsmanship.
- Check references, do your homework and ask around. The best way to find a contractor is through word of mouth. All three of our experts agree that talking to friends is an excellent way to begin the process. “Look for builders that have worked in your area, especially if you like their work,” Schultz Miller’s Vassallo suggests. “If you just go online and search around, you are left getting your own sense of things.” Contractors should be willing to give clients references from past projects. Talking to the homeowners from these projects can help give a sense of how the contractor works and whether the fit will be good for the current client. If the contractor is hesitant to supply this information, it leaves the client to wonder about the previous working relationship and the quality of the work itself.
- Make sure the contractor has the correct licensing and proof of insurance. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it is imperative that clients make sure their contractors have a license in accordance with state laws and enough liability insurance to cover their project.
- Establish a good client-contractor relationship. This goes beyond the element of communication. Sit down and talk with each contractor as you are making bids. Has the contractor previously completed a project similar to yours? Do your work ethics match up? If you want to have a lot of input throughout the design process, don’t pick a contractor who doesn’t work well with client involvement. Ask a lot of questions, and make sure you feel good about the fit. These are people who will be in and around your home, so it is important to pick a firm you trust and feel comfortable having on your property.