Once you have an idea for the project you want to do, it’s time to start looking for a contractor. Interviewing contractors can be a big part of your decision, and you don’t want to skimp on the details. If you’re wondering what to ask a contractor when remodeling, follow our tips to help ensure that you have all the information.
What Should I Look For in a Contractor?
Before you can schedule a consultation, you’ll want to locate a few home remodel contractors. Even if the first one you find totally blows you away with skill and charisma, feeling like a perfect match, it’s important to look through their portfolio and ensure they can also deliver what you really want. That way, if your first doesn’t seem to be the right fit (or they’re so booked up you can’t get on the schedule), you have a second and third to consider. As a general rule, a good home contractor will have these qualities:
- Knowledge of modern room designs
- Experience with projects like yours
- Current license and insurance
- A portfolio with past projects that look appealing to you
- Responsiveness to questions, particularly through your preferred mode of contact
Many contractors have an online form that allows you to contact them. Pay attention to how quickly they get back to you. If they don’t respond within a week, before you sign with them, you need to be 100% sure that they won’t treat your project the same way.
Got your eyes on a bathroom remodel? Look at our favorite 2024 bathroom remodeling trends.
What Are Good Questions to Ask a Contractor?
As a homeowner, you expect a contractor to know much more about your home remodel than you do. While that is technically true, you should still plan to confirm that they have the skills needed for the job. You also want to be confident that they will be able to form a good working relationship with you for the duration of the project. We have a list of questions to ask a general contractor, including:
- What is your experience with projects similar to mine?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What is your experience with your subcontractors?
- Who is my primary contact for the project?
- How do you communicate with your customers?
- What is the process to receive a cost proposal?
- When do you have time for my project?
- How long does this project take?
You may have more specific home improvement questions, like a preference for certain materials or renovations for historic homes. Add to this list before you have the interview.
Need to make a budget for your kitchen remodel? Check out our kitchen remodel cost guide.
How Do I Interview a General Contractor?
When you have the initial interview, it’s important to strike a balance between your side and the home contractor’s side. It’s better if everyone feels like they can spend time going into detail to answer a question or describe a problem. If you’re doing all the talking and your contractor barely has any questions, you may have difficulty getting a feel for the type of work they can do for you. If they are too busy talking to listen to your concerns, it might be difficult to establish your needs.
Above all, pay attention to your instincts. At the initial consultation or design meetings, a contractor ought to be making the best possible impression. If it feels like everything is going wrong, or you’re getting frustrated, it may not be the right fit. Hoping to avoid common remodeling mistakes? Read this guide.
What Should You Not Ask a Contractor?
Since you are investing a lot of money and time into your remodel, you will want to be thorough in your research to ensure you find a good contractor to partner with for your renovation. And in turn, when you find a good contractor to work with, you will want to help make it as easy as possible for them to execute your vision for the space. Be aware that there are things that homeowners sometimes say that can create problems for the project, which ultimately means problems for you in the long run. Here are a few to avoid:
- “I’m not in a hurry.”
- “I don’t know what I want.”
- “I want to skip this part myself to save money.”
- “I haven’t thought about how to pay for the work.”
- “I have a friend who can help you with the project.”
- “I don’t need to sign a contract.”
It’s a good idea to be flexible with your contractor. However, if you’re too easygoing, you may end up dissatisfied because you weren’t clear with your expectations upfront.
Wondering what you can expect from your bathroom remodel? Take a peek at our bathroom remodel cost guide.
What Are the Typical Steps for a Remodeling Project?
Every home remodeling project is unique, but there are a few steps that you can expect for almost all of them:
- Initial design
- Revision
- Final approval
- Permits
- Ordering Materials
- Demolition
- Construction
- Finished Project
Keep in mind that some of these steps can be done at the same time, but others can’t. That is why you should set aside plenty of time for the project.
How Much Time Will a Remodel Take?
Remodeling takes at least several weeks, even for the smallest projects. Larger projects may take months or more than a year. The initial design often takes a few weeks at minimum, because you want to be sure that everything is right before you start construction. Want to know more about how long a remodel takes? We’re happy to outline the process for you.
What to Ask Contractor Before Hiring
With this list, you should be able to determine which contractor is going to be a great choice for your project. At Peacock & Company, we aim to make each of our clients comfortable with every step. Our design and remodeling services are built with your satisfaction in mind. To find out how we can transform your home into the space you always wanted, schedule a free consultation.
