With so many contractors competing for your project, have you ever wondered how to make sure you are selecting the right one for you? It’s a big decision. In fact, it’s the most crucial decision you’ll make during the entire process of your project.
With so much at stake, how do you make sure you don’t get it wrong? How do you find a reputable contractor who’s the perfect match for you and your vision?
Well, here at KP Contracting, we’ve got your back. With over two decades of experience in building decks and other projects, we often get asked that exact question.
Not surprisingly, it all starts with doing your research, checking their reputation, and making sure they have the proper licenses and insurance. And, of course, it’s always a good idea to ask for references and to review their previous work.
To get you pointed in the right direction, we’ve put together a useful list of six things you should look for when searching for the right contractor for your home improvement project.
6 Ways To Tell If a Contractor Is The Right Fit
- The Contractor Is Transparent About Their Pricing
- The Contractor Has a Good Reputation
- The Contractor Has a Solid Plan for Your Project
- The Contractor Is Knowledgeable About Your Project
- The Contractor Is Licensed and Insured
- The Contractor Offers a Warranty on Their Work
Let’s run through them now, one by one.
1. The Contractor Is Transparent About Their Pricing
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room when it comes to home improvement projects – price.
We all want to make sure we can afford the project, am I right? So, communication is the name of the game here. You’ve got to talk to your contractor upfront about pricing and make sure there are no hidden costs or fees. And don’t forget to clarify the payment plan, including deposits and the remaining balance due.
How can you tell if a contractor is being transparent about pricing? You’ll know this when you see in the contract that they have fully described and itemized the scope of work. This should also include a breakdown of exactly what each phase of the project will cost.
Another way to tell if a contractor is transparent about their pricing is through their payment terms. Their payment terms should be clearly detailed, from the timing and amount of the deposit to all subsequent payments due. They may include information about the kinds of payment methods they accept and related instructions.
There should be nothing vague or ambiguous about the financial part of the contract.
Everything should be itemized and accounted for, with no hidden or unexpected costs to surprise you later. And if there is anything unclear to you, a good contractor, a transparent contractor, will gladly answer all of your questions until you are confident that you fully understand the information.
We can’t stress enough how vital transparency is when it comes to pricing. It’s the key to getting the best value for your home improvement project and achieving the outcome you were dreaming of. So, go ahead, have that conversation with your contractor, and get that detailed estimate. Your dream home is within reach, friends!
2. The Contractor Has a Good Reputation
One way to ensure you’re working with a reputable contractor is to do online research. Look for customer reviews and check out their website for customer testimonials. Make sure to read the whole review, especially the conclusion, to get a sense of overall customer satisfaction with their work.
A reputable contractor’s website is going to show pictures of current projects with favorable customer reviews to support their products and services. Reviews provided within the last 3 to 6 months are better evidence of current and continuing good customer service.
Also, take note of whether they have awards or certifications that attest to their expertise.
If the contractor has a website it is likely they will have their license number displayed somewhere on it. Go ahead and look it up to verify that it is in good standing. For example, in Maryland, homeowners can look up a contractor’s license on the Maryland Department of Labor website under the Home Improvement Public Query either by personal name, trades name, location, or the license registration number. A reputable contractor will either not show up in the BBB listings or they will – except there will be evidence of a favorable resolution to any dispute that may have existed with a past customer.
Remember, doing a little homework can go a long way when it comes to finding the perfect contractor for your home improvement project. Don’t be shy about asking all the questions you have – and getting all the answers you need – to be sure you’ve found the contractor who is the best fit for you!
3. The Contractor Has a Solid Plan for Your Project
When working with a contractor, you want to make sure that they have a solid design and structural plan for your project. This involves creating a detailed plan that includes measurements, materials, and any special features that you’ve requested.
A good contractor will take the time to discuss your vision for the project and offer expert recommendations. A good contractor will treat your project holistically, taking into consideration the layout of your property, and the existing home structure, and work to ensure that everything flows together in the best possible way.
The plan should also have a detailed scope of work that outlines all the essential elements such as the dimensions and proposed structures suitable for your needs. The contractor should analyze your wants and needs to come up with a practical and functional plan and design that meets your expectations. The plan will also need to be designed and drawn for permitting purposes before execution to specifications.
A great contractor will not only capture your vision in the design but will also be adept at problem-solving if unexpected issues arise during construction.
A contractor who is a good fit will ensure that your project runs smoothly, is completed on time, and stays within budget. Having a solid plan in place gives you the peace of mind that your project is in good hands and will be executed with precision and care.
4. The Contractor Is Knowledgeable About Your Project
When it comes to your home renovation project, you want a contractor who knows their stuff! A true professional will have a wealth of expertise and knowledge to offer, from local building codes to the specific tools and materials needed for the job.
A knowledgeable contractor should be able to explain every aspect of the project to you, including warranties, material sources, and why they suggest certain methods or materials. They should be able to give you a realistic timeline for the project and be prepared to handle any unexpected bumps along the way. At KP Contracting, work normally commences within 2-3 weeks of both HOA and permit approval.
A contractor who is the right fit is not going to mind your questions and will take whatever time is necessary to explain what it is you are seeking to understand. So don’t be afraid to ask questions! Your contractor should be happy to provide answers and help you understand the ins and outs of your project.
A good contractor will also be resourceful and will do what it takes to problem-solve or find the right answer or solution to something they may not actually know at the moment.
At the end of the day, you want a contractor who truly understands every detail of the scope of your project as well as your vision. With a knowledgeable contractor on your side, you can rest easy knowing your project is in good hands and that you’ll be able to get any and all of your questions answered.
5. The Contractor Is Licensed and Insured
When you’re working on a home improvement project, it’s essential to hire a contractor who is licensed and insured. Anything less is a non-starter.
A reputable contractor will not only possess, but will likely have displayed proof of licensing either on their website, brochures, letterhead, or vehicle, and if asked point blank for proof of licensing should gladly and willingly share that information with you.
Proper insurance ensures the safety of all personnel working on the project and protects both you and the contractor from any claims of liability.
The Contractor Offers a Warranty on Their Work
Well, when it comes to selecting a contractor for a home improvement project, you want to make sure they stand behind their work with a warranty. A warranty on workmanship and materials gives you peace of mind that the job will be done right and to your satisfaction.
To ensure you’re covered, it’s important to review the warranty thoroughly and understand what it covers. Be sure to ask questions and clarify any areas of concern. It’s crucial that the warranty includes the cost of repairs in the event that work is done incorrectly or there’s a dispute.
You want to make sure that the warranty is detailed and specific about what is covered, and for how long. It’s also important to have a clear understanding with the contractor about what the warranty covers before starting the project.
And don’t forget, make sure the warranty is in writing and included in the contract. Both parties should sign the contract to ensure that the warranty is legally binding. This way, you can feel confident that your investment is protected and your project will be completed to your satisfaction.
How Can You Make Sure That You’re Choosing The Right Contractor For Your Project?
When it comes to choosing the right contractor for your project, remember to always do your research and ask the right questions.
Start by looking for a contractor with a strong reputation and a history of successful projects. You can ask for references and read online reviews to get an idea of their work quality and customer satisfaction.
Make sure the contractor you choose has experience in the type of project you’re undertaking, and that they are knowledgeable about the materials and techniques needed to get the job done right. You can ask them questions about their experience, certifications, or continuing education to ensure they have the expertise you need.
When you’ve found a few potential contractors, don’t be afraid to ask for proposals and compare them to ensure you’re getting a fair price. But remember, the lowest quote may not always be the best value. Make sure you understand exactly what’s included in the proposal to avoid the potential for any hidden costs.
And most importantly, don’t forget to ask yourself/keep in mind the 6 important questions that we just discussed.
Ultimately, the contractor who is the best fit for you should be someone with whom you feel a high degree of trust in their integrity and confidence in their expertise. You should feel comfortable with the thought of communicating and working with them throughout the project. If there is any lingering doubt, consult your gut as a final reference. It’s usually on point! Good luck!
If you are interested in learning more about how to hire a contractor for your project, check out our article on “Comparing Contractor Quotes – 6 Questions You Should Be Asking?“
Ready to hire a deck builder? Got more questions about how to choose the best deck builder for your specific needs? Let’s connect! We’d love to answer all your questions and guide you through your deck-building journey.
