Choosing the right renovation company can have a significant impact on the quality of your project. By seeking referrals, asking the right questions, insuring that your contractor is licensed and insured, and insisting on a clear contract, you can ensure your project is a success.
Here are some things to look for in a renovation company:
1. Reputation
Many contractors rely on word of mouth and referrals for new business. Ask for a list of references and then call each one. Make detailed notes as you do so. Look for comments on whether the contractor stayed within budget and on schedule, if they treated the former client with respect and whether they would recommend them.
A strong reputation is essential for any business, but it’s especially important for home renovation companies. Everyone has heard horror stories of people being ripped off by contractors, and this makes homeowners leery of hiring anyone to work on their homes. Choose a company that has a good online reputation, with verified reviews and a high BBB rating. It’s also a good idea to find out what other local homeowners have to say about their experience working with the company.
2. Experience
Many renovation companies are built on word of mouth, relying on customer satisfaction to drive their businesses. It is important to ask potential contractors for references from previous clients and to visit completed projects. This will help you see first-hand how their work looks and feel.
Look for things like sloppy or messy construction, shoddy work, and lack of attention to detail in areas such as the kitchen triangle, bathroom vanity and flooring. You will also want to inquire about any warranties or guarantees and to find out if they will redo any faulty work at no cost to you.
Once you have compiled a short list of potential renovation companies, request bids. Be sure to compare apples to apples by asking for estimates that break down costs of building materials, labor and typical profit margins.
3. Portfolio
A company’s portfolio is an essential tool for anyone looking to find a contractor. It shows their work and style and can help narrow down options for a renovation project.
Ideally, it should include photos of the space before the remodel, pictures from the actual construction process and final pictures of the finished product. Additionally, it’s helpful to include any blueprints or sketches the renovation contractor used for reference.
Additionally, displaying testimonials from past clients can be an excellent way to impress prospective customers. Ensure that your portfolio is organized and easy to read, and that all the images are clearly labeled with titles. This makes it simple for potential customers to get the information they need without reading too much. This also helps them quickly decide if they want to move forward with your business or not.
4. Insurance
Homeowners that are considering remodeling may want to contact their home insurance company ahead of time to discuss what impacts the policy. They should let the insurer know what type of renovation work will be done so that they can perform a post-renovation valuation to determine any new coverage needs.
In addition, a entreprise de rénovation toulouse should have general liability, professional liability and commercial auto insurance. The latter is especially important for contractors who use their own personal vehicles to transport tools and equipment to renovation projects as well as any vehicles that they rent or borrow from third parties.
For larger commercial projects, a renovation company should also have builder’s risk insurance. This is typically a per-project policy purchased for up to a year and is typically equal to the construction value of the project.
5. Communication
If you have specific requests for your renovation, make sure to communicate those clearly. Contractors cannot read minds, and it’s impossible for them to understand what you mean if you don’t spell it out.
During your first meetings, ask prospective contractors for references and photos of past projects that are similar to yours. When contacting the contractors’ references, listen carefully to find out whether they stuck to the schedule and budget, how well they treated their clients, and if the work was completed in a timely manner.
Conclusion
Many general contractors are juggling multiple projects at once, and the other projects could pull them away from your project. Be clear about what you want and expect in your contract, and a reputable renovation company won’t balk at a detailed agreement.
