Remodeling your home is a significant investment in transforming your space into one that you love. Choosing the right remodeling contractor is essential to ensure that your remodel is thoughtfully planned and expertly executed. You should walk through your home with a potential contractor, explain your vision, and ask plenty of questions before you make a decision. In addition, consider these key factors.

Keys to Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

1. Experience

When you’re interviewing potential candidates, ask to see recent projects. A trustworthy contractor will be willing to share a portfolio of past work. You might be able to visit an in-progress renovation or see pictures of completed projects. As you review them, look at the craftsmanship of the home and decide whether their design style is similar to your own.

Ask for references so that you can contact previous customers to find out whether the contractor stayed on schedule and met the homeowners’ expectations.

2. Walk-Through

Meet with potential contractors to walk through your space and explain your vision. Pay attention to how the contractor responds to your plan to see if they’re receptive to your ideas.

Listen for any advice that they offer, which can give you insight into how feasible they think the project is. Be open to answering questions about your budget, and ask questions about the contractor’s credentials.

3. Bid 

When you receive a bid from a contractor, review it carefully. Compare different bids to determine how each contractor will price your project. Look at material and labor costs to see how they compare. Be sure to ask the contractor how they manage any unexpected costs or changes in the budget as the project progresses.

While your budget should be one factor to consider, don’t always opt for the lowest bid, especially if it is substantially lower than others. Low bids may either be inaccurate or a sign of a contractor who desperately needs work.

4. Signed Contract

Once you have selected a contractor, request a contract that outlines all aspects of the project. It should include the estimated start and completion dates, project budget, and a payment schedule. If you want to pay in installments, ask for that to be included as well. Additionally, have all subcontractors and materials used listed in the contract so that every aspect is carefully outlined before demolition begins.

If you’re ready to transform your space, contact BHI General Contracting and Remark Construction, a remodeling contractor serving the Cincinnati, Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Indiana tri-state area. As the residential side of BHI General Contracting, this division helps homeowners remodel kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. You will work closely with a skilled fourth-generation builder who oversees every project with integrity. To schedule an appointment, call (513) 673-7435, or visit the website for more information.