A professional renovation can make your home feel luxurious while boosting the value of your property. But shoddy craftsmanship can lead to the exact opposite. So how do you go about locating the right remodeling contractor for the job? Let’s take a look at a few things you’ll want to consider as you get started.
First, ask around. Do you know or work with anyone who might’ve had a good experience with a local contractor in or around Phoenix, AZ? Word of mouth referrals are a great way to find qualified talent you can trust. Beyond this, search online, read client reviews, and review their business website and social media presence. Luxury Remodels Company is also always happy to open a dialog about your Phoenix redesign project.
Once you’ve compiled a list of home renovation contractors, browse portfolios. Do they have at least ten relevant projects that offer before and after photos? Eliminate contractors who don’t share a portfolio. Then narrow down your search to those specifically experienced in the type of work you’re looking to complete. For instance, if you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, make sure that company has a good selection of recent kitchen remodeling work. If any portfolios showcase “after” photos that simply don’t live up to your standards, this could be a red flag.
Licensing and certifications are another way to ensure your job is completed properly, legally, and safely. Make sure your contractor of choice holds government mandated credentials and that all credentials are up to date. Do they hold liability insurance to protect you in the event of unexpected damage to your property? If they do, and if you like their portfolio, it’s time to request references. A good list of references should include at least ten jobs along with full contact information.
When you receive those, set aside some time to call each, or minimally the most relevant, to learn about their experiences. Was their job completed on time? Did they have any issues and, if they did, were those addressed professionally? Did the contractors show up on site when scheduled, and what were their standard hours? Was the job completed to their specifications and within budget? Once you feel comfortable about your phone interview, ask if you can visit their Phoenix home to see the quality of work in person.
It’s best to visit at least one of the references for each of your final candidates. Visiting a few years after the job was completed will give you a good idea about how their work holds up. If there were issues after the fact, find out how the contractor rectified those. You can also ask the homeowner if they’ve required any service or repair on the contractor’s work after the fact.
Finally, it’s time to request a bid. Not only will their bid detail cost but it will also shed light on their chosen materials and timeline. Consider each proposal carefully—not solely on cost but also on what’s been included. If you note a cost discrepancy, ask yourself if that company is cutting corners. Then once you’ve narrowed your selection down to one, get ready to ink the contract.
