Are you planning a home renovation? If this is the case, you may already be shortlisting potential contractors and renovators to work on your home. You may also be wondering if there’s any specific criteria that you should be using to find the best renovator to work on your home.
It’s essential for any homeowner to consider research about a potential renovator before hiring them to work on your property. We take a closer look at a few of the essential criteria that you should review to ensure that any work is done safely and in accordance with local and state legislation.
Start With Personal Liability Coverage
Any plans you have for a contractor or renovator to work on your home should always start with investing in personal liability coverage to ensure the safety of all parties. This type of coverage ensures that anyone working on your property is insured in the event of an accident.
You will then not be held liable in the event of an accident, injury, or any subsequent medical costs. Once you have this insurance in place, you should use our tips to help you find the best contractor for the type of renovation work you need done.
Research Credentials
Whether you’re installing new kitchen cupboards or you plan on having some plumbing work done, the same consideration needs to go into finding the right renovator or contractor. This means that the first step should always be to verify that the renovator has the necessary licences and permits for the type of work you want done. They should also have the proper insurance to cover all aspects of liability in case of potential damages.
Checking credentials also involves checking up on references from previous customers listed on their website or reference list. You should also check references on external websites or simply by typing their name in a search engine. This will give you an idea of who you’re dealing with.
Compare Quotes
Experts advise not settling for the first cheap quote you get. Be sure to obtain a few quotes and compare prices and services. Quotes should be detailed and give a transparent breakdown of specific materials used, labor required, and expected time frame for completion.
Be upfront with the exact requirements to ensure the renovator can provide you with an accurate quote. Always be wary of quotes that are considerably cheaper than other quotes or bids, as they may not have the necessary experience. They could also be cheaper because they are using off-market components. All of these factors can lead to more costs down the line.
Evaluate the Renovator’s Experience
When you’re reviewing your potential renovator’s reputation, you should also determine whether they have done similar projects to the one you’re requesting. Most professional contractors will have a portfolio or website where they share before-and-after images of work done. This will help you assess whether you like the end results of their work.
Speak to the contractor about site safety and what they do to ensure that crew members are working safely at all times. There should be warranties on their work, and they should be upfront about these. By asking all these questions, you will be able to gauge the level of communication of the people you’re dealing with.
This will give you an idea of whether the renovator will give you regular updates and feedback about the progress of your project. You’ll then have peace of mind that you’re dealing with a professional who will keep you updated.
Insist on a Written Contract
Once you have decided on a renovator, your next step should be to insist on a written contract. This document should always outline the full scope of the work agreed upon. Other factors, such as payment schedule and estimated timelines, should also be highlighted. It’s also important to discuss the change order procedure in the event that you want to change any aspect of the work once it has begun.
Keep in mind that this could happen if you or the renovator discover that planned materials or actual measurements are not working as you had anticipated. There’s also the possibility that you may not be satisfied with all aspects of the job, which will require a dispute resolution process to be in place. Review all aspects of the contract and ensure that everything is clear to all parties. Once this is done, all parties should sign the document.
Final Thoughts
Combine our tips with quality personal liability coverage to help you find the best renovator for your home. This will ensure that you have professionals working as safely as possible and in strict accordance with local building codes. You’ll find that this allows your home renovation to go off without a hitch.
