Often the most difficult part of any exterior home improvement project isn’t the actual work itself, but rather the painstaking process of finding the right contractor to do the job. Ask many homeowners or do some searching online and it won’t take long to find numerous horror stories of contractors who started a project only to leave and never return, or projects that end up costing several times more than originally estimated due to installation errors.
Making the decision to embark on exterior home improvements is a significant investment, and one that you want to ensure is done properly and professionally from start to finish.
Here are some tips on how to find the right contractor for your exterior projects:
Know What You Want
Before you start calling contractors, it helps to have a solid plan in motion about which exterior projects you’re serious about getting estimates for. This not only makes it easier to obtain accurate estimates to compare, but also ensures that you’re hiring the right contractor for the job.
Do Some Preliminary Work
Before the contractor ever steps foot onto your property, begin the process by asking questions over the phone. Ask about their work history, licensure, how long they’ve been in business, and when they’d be able to start the job.
The contractor’s response to your questions will often give you a good idea of whether or not they’d be a good fit for the job. Don’t be shy when it comes to asking questions as a trustworthy and reliable contractor will be accustomed to this and will confidently answer your questions without a lot of hesitation.
Ask People You Know for Referrals
Positive experiences with contractors generate glowing recommendations. Consider asking your neighbors, co-workers, friends, or family members if they know of any contractors for similar exterior home improvements. This will hopefully help you save some time by generating a list of contractors you plan to contact, as well as those you wish to avoid.
Search for Online Reviews
In addition to asking people you know for recommendations, searching online for reviews is another helpful tool. Check out trusted websites such as Yelp and Angie’s List, in addition to business social media accounts. When reading online complaints or reviews, look at how the company representatives respond to both praise and complaints. How they treat customers is important as it gives you an idea of what you could expect if you are a client..
Speak with Multiple Contractors
It’s always a good idea to contact more than one contractor when calling around for estimates and product information. Always get more than one bid for your exterior home improvements to help you determine which contractor is the best fit for the job.
Get Everything in Writing
Every home improvement project should be thoroughly and properly outlined and detailed in a legal written contract. If a contractor refuses to sign a contract, then you have nothing to protect yourself legally, should something go wrong.
Finding the right contractor to hire is crucial in achieving the final outcome you’re hoping for. Making the decision to undergo exterior home improvements is a significant investment, so being comfortable with the contractor you hired and confident in their abilities will make the experience a smooth and positive one.
If you’re looking for a local company you can count on, contact Armorvue Home Exteriors for your next home project. With over 75 years in business, we are a trusted partner to help with your next project.
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