Renovating is tough no matter how you slice it. Lots of things can go wrong even under the best of circumstances. Depending on the complexity of the project and your experience, you might’ve tried to tackle it DIY only to realize that you’re in over your head. Now what? Time to hire a contractor. Three obvious factors come into play: cost, time and value added or gained. The fourth factor may not be so obvious: your wishes and desires for the project. Hiring a contractor who understands all four of these factors in advance is key to your renovation’s success. Here’s what to look for in a good contractor:
1. Communication is Key
Your contractor should be easy to reach, easy to understand (no construction jargon) and actively listens to you. You should require communication as often as you need in your agreement with a contractor. Get it in writing.
2. Transparency
They should always provide a plan in writing (we call them project plans). This plan should consist of a categorical explanation of all expenses expected. There should also be an explanation of unanticipated but possible expenses. No one can predict everything, but an experienced contractor should be able to list some possible though unlikely additional expense (ex. If you decide to move the toilet after we demo the shower, it will cost an additional $XXX.XX). Demand transparency from your contractor from the very beginning. If you sense that they are over-exaggerating, puffing themselves up, or they’re in any way dishonest, walk away
3. Shared Vision
A good contractor listens, consults and then interprets your ideas into a design with a plan and timeline. If it’s an extensive project, a good contractor will identify milestones or phases on the project and provide realistic timelines. Make sure a project plan or agreement has a timeline. Make sure you understand it before signing it. If they pressure you to sign quickly, that’s a red flag.
4. Experience and More
An experienced contractor is good, but an experienced, innovative, and adaptable contractor is even better. Are they technologically savvy? Do they have design experience? Are they up to date with the latest trends in the marketplace? Do they have real estate experience? Don’t settle for pictures of their previous work or online reviews. Ask for references and take the time to contact them.
5. Experience and More
An experienced contractor is good, but an experienced, innovative, and adaptable contractor is even better. Are they technologically savvy? Do they have design experience? Are they up to date with the latest trends in the marketplace? Do they have real estate experience? Don’t settle for pictures of their previous work or online reviews. Ask for references and take the time to contact them.
6. Accountability
A good contractor never makes excuses for mistakes. They explain what happened and provide solutions. A good contractor will not charge you for their mistakes or errors in judgment. They will fix it at their own cost. If timelines need to be adjusted, they make the adjustments and amend the plan as needed. Then they’ll provide the amended plan to you for your approval. You’re the boss! Never let your contractor make major changes to the project plan without your approval. If you feel bullied by your contractor, it’s okay to fire them. Ideally, try to find a replacement before you let them go.
7. Adaptability
• Weather, material cost fluctuations, natural disasters, labor cost increase, etc. can all wreak havoc on a project plan. A good contractor adapts, communicates the challenge, and presents options for solution. Ask how they have dealt with adversity in the past. Ask them to give you examples.
8. Exit Clause (Santa’s noncommittal ex-wife. Lol!)
You should always be able to walk away at any stage if necessary. This is your project! Make sure there is an exit clause that gives you full discretion and complete severability in your agreement with your contractor. Make sure to talk before you walk. Bringing in a new contractor mid-project will likely be more costly and could significantly impact timelines.
9. Trust
Trust is a two-way street. If you expect your contractor to be trustworthy (which you should), make sure you follow through with your side of the agreement. If the agreed upon payment schedule requires you to make payments at milestone achievement, make sure you have the funds available to make those payments. Be leery of contractors who require full payment up front. Deposits are normal, but full payment isn’t. Depending on the scale of the project, some contractors may require a third-party trust, escrow or holding account for the project funds. Make sure that you vet the third party and have the third-party agreement reviewed by an attorney.
10. In for The Long Haul
After the project is complete, a good contractor will be with you for the long haul. If the work they’ve done begins to deteriorate, leak, crack, etc. in the first 90 days, they should be willing to address it. They should communicate with you regarding what they believe went wrong. At this point, trust but verify. Get a second opinion. A good contractor will not be offended if you do. Make sure a 90-day (minimum) warranty is included in the contract. Most problems will surface within the first 90 days.
Bottom line: there are numerous advantages in hiring a contractor. But not all contractors are created equal. The right contractor will take into consideration your wishes and desires along with cost, time, and the value added by the project.