How to Choose a Contractor for Your Home Remodel

To choose a contractor for your home remodel, you'll want to make sure they have the right certifications and licenses. This can be done by contacting them by phone or visiting their website. Ensure that the contractor you select is certified by a reputable association. Some examples are the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the Remodeling Industry Association, or the National Homebuilders Association. If a contractor has earned certification, they've taken extensive course work and passed a rigorous exam. The correct bathroom remodel Richmond VA will significantly enhance the looks of your home. But, if you choose the wrong person for the job, you will regret your decision earlier than you think. What can you do to avoid making mistakes? Negative reviews are more genuine than positive reviews Consumers should avoid reading reviews posted by contractors online, because these are more likely to be skewed against the contractor. It's better to seek out references instead of online reviews. Contractors often only list their best work, so if there are poor reviews online, chances are that they did a shoddy job. Consumers are not stupid, so they will quickly smell a canned response. While it's true that you should avoid companies with a high number of negative reviews, you should still read some of them. Many customers are skeptical about business services until they see them in action. These customers might have unrealistic expectations for the services offered and be disappointed with the results. When dealing with them, professionals should always look for the positive side of things. It's important to remember that a bad review can cost you business. Looking at past work The first step in choosing a contractor for your home remodel is to ask for examples of their previous projects. Whether they have physical portfolios or websites with images, a good portfolio should include at least 10 projects that demonstrate their skill. Ideally, this portfolio should include photos before the work started, as well as afterward. You should also check out any sketches or blueprints the contractor has created. Checking license If you're planning a home remodel, you should check the contractor's license before hiring them. While you can't pull the contractor's license if he or she has done bad work, you should at least know the company's reputation. There are many complaints filed against home remodeling contractors, and the worst offenders may be fined or barred from doing business in the state. A contractor's license does not automatically guarantee a superior job, and state licensing agencies aren't consumer advocates. In general, checking the license of a contractor should give you some peace of mind.   Using an online tool like Verify is a great way to check a contractor's license. It can also tell you whether the contractor has insurance and workers' comp coverage. It can also reveal any safety violations or lawsuits filed against the contractor's surety bond. You can also check the contractor's license by searching for their name in the Verify tool. After entering the contractor's information, you can now compare his license to other contractors in the same category.