So, you’re finally ready to breathe a new life into your home. Maybe you want to add a new bathtub or install new tiles in your home. But, you’re not good at DIY home improvement tasks. You may not have the necessary skills or time to handle the project. Therefore, hiring a home renovation contractor is the only option for you. However, there are many contractors around with each claiming to be the best. So, how do you pick the best contractor for your home renovation project? Here are some of the things to check when choosing a home renovation contractor.

1. Portfolio

Before you choose a contractor for your home renovation project, check their portfolio. For instance, if you choose Rocky Mountain Exteriors, find out if the contractor has handled a renovation project similar to yours before. Make sure that the contractor you choose specializes in the kind of renovation you need.

A contractor whose specialty is kitchen remodeling may not be suitable for a bathroom renovation project. An ideal contractor should have a creative eye and experience in completing specific renovation projects. For instance, if your renovation is about the installation of tiles on the entryway with a mosaic or using a faux finish to paint a room, make sure that the contractor has done this kind of work before.

2. Certification and Licensing

You probably have a list of several contractors to consider. Narrow down by asking the contractors if they have certification and licensing. Specific certifications and licensing for home renovation contractors to check should depend on your project. Each state or country has varying legal requirements. It’s a good idea to contact the licensing division in your area to know about specialized licensed/certified contractors around you.

Professional certification and licensing means a contractor has what it takes to complete your renovation project legally and safely.

3. Liability Insurance

You don’t want to cater to the cost of damage that may occur during the renovation project. Make sure that the contractor that you choose has liability insurance that covers any damage that may occur during the renovation project. The contractor and their workers should also have worker’s compensation insurance. You can ask the contractor to provide a copy of the insurance policy to find out if it’s up to date.

4. References

Any reputable home renovation contractor expects prospective clients to ask for references. They have a list of references they can provide at any time. The reference list of a typical contractor will include at least five past jobs. These include the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of their clients. It’s also important to check the date for each completed job.

Once you have the references, contact them. Find out if the contractor completed the job on schedule, kept the site neat, addressed problems promptly, and whether the contractor was punctual for workdays and appointments. Also, ask whether they were impressed by the quality of the work and if the cost was given upfront and reasonable.

5. Reputation

Ask friends and relatives about the contractors you have in mind. For instance, if you have Rocky Mountain Exteriors in mind, what do friends and neighbors know about them? Have they hired them for their projects? If yes, what was their experience? Can they recommend them? You can also use the internet to find out if the contractor has positive or negative reviews. You don’t want to work with a contractor with the most negative reviews.

6. Finished Projects

If possible, visit the homes of the people that have worked with the contractor you are considering hiring. See their completed projects to determine if their work impresses you. It’s particularly important to check projects similar to yours that the contractor has handled successfully.
Take a closer look at the work of the contractor. Ask the homeowner if their home has needed repairs or servicing after the renovation project handled by the contractor. Check the specific details and overall feel of the home.

7. Price

Home renovation contractors present estimated costs and brief proposals of projects upfront. This is what they call bids. A bid includes details like project timelines, materials to be used, and cost of your project. This can vary depending on the renovation type. Nevertheless, get bids from at least 3 or 4 contractors before you choose the one to hire. Compare the bids and choose a contractor that charges a reasonable price, and with a good reputation and guarantees.

Check these things carefully to choose a home renovation contractor that will ensure that your project is completed safely within schedule and budget.