A professional renovation can make your home feel luxurious while increasing your property value. But poor craftsmanship can lead to exactly the opposite. So how do you go about finding the right remodeling contractor for the job? Let’s take a look at a few things you’ll want to consider when getting started.
First, ask around. Do you know or work with anyone who has had a good experience with a local contractor in or around Phoenix, AZ? Word-of-mouth referrals are an excellent way to find qualified talent you can trust. Beyond this, search online, read customer reviews, and review their business website and social media presence. Luxury Remodels Company is also happy to open a dialogue about your Phoenix redesign project.
Once you have compiled a list of home renovation contractors, explore their portfolios. Do they have at least ten relevant projects that offer before and after photos? Eliminate contractors who do not share a portfolio. Then narrow down your search to people with specific experience in the type of work you want to have done. For example, if you plan to remodel your kitchen, make sure the company has a good selection of recent kitchen remodeling jobs. If any portfolio shows “after” photos that simply don’t meet your standards, this could be a red flag.
Licenses and certifications are another way to ensure your work is completed properly, legally, and safely. Make sure your contractor of choice has the necessary credentials required by the government, and that all credentials are up to date. Do they have liability insurance to protect you in case of unexpected damage to your property? If they do, and if you like their portfolio, it’s time to request references. A good list of references should include at least ten jobs along with complete contact information.
When you receive them, set aside time to call each one, or at least the most relevant ones, to learn about their experiences. Was their work completed on time? Did they encounter any issues, and if they did, were they addressed professionally? Did the contractors show up on site as scheduled, and what was their standard schedule? Was the work completed to their specifications and within budget? Once you feel comfortable with your phone interview, ask if you can visit their home in Phoenix to see the quality of the work in person.
It’s best to visit at least one reference from each of your final candidates. Visiting a few years after the work was completed will give you a good idea of how their work holds up. If there were issues after the fact, find out how the contractor rectified them. You can also ask the homeowner if they have required any service or repairs to the contractor’s work after the fact.
Finally, it’s time to request a bid. Not only will it detail their offer, but it will also shed light on the chosen materials and schedule. Consider each proposal carefully, not just on cost but also on what is included. If you notice a discrepancy in costs, ask yourself if that company is cutting corners. Then, once you have narrowed your selection down to one, prepare to sign the contract.