Janet Cook

The majority of homeowners wanting to invest in their home and enhance their lifestyle with a home remodeling project do not make a decision of whom to hire based on price, for as the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Price for materials and labor is relatively the same for everyone, so a low price may be a sign of inexperience and the risk there may not be support after the sale. The foundation of having a good remodeling experience is choosing a reputable contractor. Everyone wants a well-designed, quality-built project done in a timely fashion. The noise and dust may be unavoidable, but you want to avoid undue stress! With these tips, you can feel confident in who you are entrusting your dreams, your money, and your home, and have a great result to enjoy for years to come!

Before the appointment: Check out their website for a first impression. How long have they been in business? What type of projects do they do? Do they showcase their work? Have they received awards? Is the site informative, educational? Is there a bio page of their team? How much experience and longevity do they have? Are there customer testimonials? Do they have an office address and clear ways to contact them? Is their Registrar of Contractors license posted?

At the appointment: Observe how well they listen to your wants. Do they investigate what isn’t working now and offer ideas and solutions that will customize the project to reflect you and your needs? Do they offer support in selections?

Ask: What is your company known for and what do your clients appreciate about your service? What is the process of communication from start to finish? Can we expect someone working every day? How long have you been working with the subcontractors that you use? That is a sign they are timely paid and are more likely to accommodate the contractor’s scheduling needs. How do you handle changes or additions to the project?

A financially solid company that will be around in the years to come will offer a free ballpark estimate so you can have an idea of the range of cost it could be, but not a free proposal. Each client pays for the designer’s time to develop the layout and get bids for the cost of the project. Do not hesitate to share what your budget limit is so the professional can advise you on what can be done and on selections to get the most for your money.

For the proposal: This is an important document that details what the company is going to provide. It should include a detailed description of the work to be done and the selections to be used. It will note customer’s specific requests. Indicate the start and finish time. It will outline the Terms and Conditions, the process of Change Orders, and the payment schedule. The contract should state they are current with and will maintain liability insurance.

When you find a trustworthy contractor who demonstrates high standards of commitment to quality and service, who has examples of creative design solutions, don’t hesitate to retain and hire the company to build your project.

Happy Home Remodeling!

Janet Cook, certified health coach and aging in place specialist, President of Cook Remodeling (celebrating their 43rd year), invites you to check out their website for photos and more information.