Choosing the Right Home Renovation Expert

Home renovation is a term which can mean different things to different people. Renovation could mean some new paint, or it can mean a whole new kitchen installation. Similarly, there are a wide range of people who you can hire for help with your remodeling project – from a handyman type to an experienced professional general contractor.

When you decide to hire someone to do work on your home, it is important to understand if the project needs permits or requires a licensed professional. But even if the renovation does not  require a permit, finding the right professional for the job is of utmost importance. Because there are so many choices, here are some tips to narrow down your search.

Selecting a Home Renovation Professional

1. Check Licenses: A license proves that your contractor has gone through the necessary education and protocols to establish their business legally. You can look up your contractor at Sunbiz.org and find out how long they have been in business, where the principals are located, and where the business is incorporated. Validating that you are dealing with a licensed professional is a great start.
2. Ask for Insurance: You want to make sure that your contractor holds all the proper insurance policies to protect your home and your investment. They should hold insurance both to guarantee their work and any damage they may do to your home; as well as to protect their employees from any injury. If your contractor does not have insurance, you may be left holding the bag for any damages or worse yet – you may be held liable for any injury sustained on your property. A legitimate contractor will have no problem providing you with proof of insurance coverage.
3. Look for Reviews: Experts tell us that in our digital world, peer reviews carry as much weight as any other type of recommendation or referral. This means that online reviews are of the utmost importance, and cultivating an online reputation is a worthwhile effort. For consumers, searching out online reviews is a great way to find out what people think about the contractor. Keep in mind that you can’t please everyone all the time, so don’t be dissuaded by one or two negative reviews if the majority of reviews are positive.
4. Check Their Work: If you have a specific project in mind, such as a bathroom or kitchen renovation, ask your contractor if they have photos or videos of recent work. You can browse their site for examples of their work, or ask for references of recent clients. Be sure to call and ask past clients about the quality of the work, as well as their experience with the contractor.
5. Ask for Estimates: Once you have your search narrowed down to two or three contractors, meet with them and ask for estimates. However, don’t just compare numbers – be sure that you you are comparing apples to apples. If one estimate is vastly different than the others, ask for an explanation. One contractor may be using better materials making their estimate more expensive. Conversely, a very low quote may indicate someone using cheap materials or operating without insurance overhead.
6. Trust Your Gut: Once you have a short list of licensed, insured and qualified contractors and you have collected estimates – go with the contractor you feel most comfortable with. After all, these people will be in your home, so make sure you are comfortable and understand their policies and procedures.

West Coast Design Build Florida provide professional kitchen and bathroom installation services to the Sarasota area. We look forward to speaking with you about your home renovation project.