Tips for Finding a Local Remodeling Contractor

No aspect of your remodeling project is as important as which remodeling contractor you hire. However, it can be very difficult to find names of reliable, high-quality contractors in your area. Here are some ideas for sources of recommendations and some things to consider when hiring a remodeler.

Friends: Friends, family, and coworkers can be excellent references for local contractors. Be sure to solicit the opinions of people whose judgment you trust and, if possible, ask to view the work the contractor did. Many people are eager to show off their new kitchen or addition.

Other Professionals: Start with local real estate agents or people who invest in real estate. They often have to deal with remodelers to get homes ready for sale, so they are in a position to know the quality of a contractors' work. You can also ask for recommendations at your local home improvement store or from other types of contractors. If you have a plumber or electrician you trust, they may be able to suggest a remodeler they have worked with.

Organizations: Local builders associations often maintain lists of their members. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) keeps a list of its members, who must be full-time, dedicated professionals and must adhere to a code of ethics. Angie's List is a highly regarded website that houses information about professionals in a wide variety of fields. Members of Angie's List give the professionals reviews and describe their experiences. Reviews are not anonymous to ensure that they are accurate and genuine.

Good Contractors: You want a remodeling contractor who has many years of experience with the kind of project that you want to have done. However, you also want someone whom you like; good communication with your contractor is a key to remodeling success. Ask about work schedules and who will be part of the crew. Will the contractor need to hire subcontractors for plumbing and electrical work? Who will supervise the crew every day? Ask about certifications and membership in NARI; these things show a commitment to a certain level of professionalism. Avoid contractors who do not have a permanent address or who seem reluctant to give you references.

Investigate: The next step is to investigate your potential remodelers. Visit the Better Business Bureau website to see if complaints have been lodged against the contractor. Check online to make sure they are licensed in your state. Ask the contractor for copies of their workers compensation and liability insurance certificates. Also call a random sampling from their list of samples. Ask them detailed questions about the contractor's work habits, reliability, quality, and ability to communicate.