subject: Insider Tips On How To Hire A Home Remodeling Contractor & Avoid A Remodeling Disaster [print this page] I wrote this article for all homeowners looking to remodel of hire any contractor. Tips on how to avoid a remodeling nightmare.
Having worked many years for other home remodeling contractors in San Diego, I learned a few things besides how to waterproof a shower properly or build a room addition. I learned first hand that there are bad contractors out there lying and looking to take advantage of you, the homeowner.
The bad and ugly
"Some" contractors will tell you anything to sell the job. They will make promises and make up stories, whatever it takes to seal the deal. Who wants to work with someone like that or have to deal with that guy for 3 months or so? You need a contractor that has your back. Will do whatever it takes to make the job right and make you happy. At least that is what I think a good contractor should do. The reality is some contractors look at your project as a money making adventure and not as a one on one quality remodeling experience. I know contractors twice my age with half the knowledge. They are just wannabe business men with not much building experience.
Insider tips
Watch out for salesmen! Maybe they got the job last week and after getting fired from the used car dealer. My personal experience with sales people is that they don't know the details and will tell you what you are looking to hear to close the sale. They will not be around when your job is being built. Who will be in charge of running your job and the workers? Talk to the contractor! You need to talk to their references too. Make sure some are current, like from last month. This will tell you what they are up to now. I know contractors that have only unhappy customers and they keep getting work. That is because they are giving out a few old numbers of a few clients who were not angry with them. Call the homeowner and ask a bunch of questions like, did they do as promised? Did they make change orders? Did they finish on time? How would you rate the quality?
Also I recommend to visit recently finished job and talk to the homeowner directly and see the work for yourself. Make sure the contractor does not go. If the client was truly happy they wont mind and they will be happy to promote the contractors business. Think about it, they were in your shoes a couple months ago.
Get it in writing!
Make sure you have the the details listed on your contract. Make sure you have a payment / progress schedule and do not pay ahead of work completion. Get a start and finish date in writing. I have seen remodeling contractors blame the homeowner because the job did not go as planned. Do not give them a budget to work with, that would be like giving a kid your credit card. You should have a set price and a detailed list of what you are getting for that amount.
Do not be afraid!
This article is to protect you, not scare you. There are many good remodeling contractors out there, but you must protect your home for the bad ones and be informed. Remember the to watch out for the wolf in sheep's clothing or something like that.
Finally check online for reviews and the contractors board.
