You want to bring out the best in your home with quality renovations and construction, but you need a contractor who helps rather than hinders your goal. Ian Perler Team wants to help Philly homeowners find reputable and knowledgeable residential real estate contractors. Keep these tips in mind to help keep frustration to a minimum while building or remodeling your property.
Know What You Want
Before you search for local contractors, map out the remodeling or construction project you desire, sparing no detail. Knowing how in-depth your project may be narrows your options, helping you to save time and potentially money.
Ask Your Friends, Neighbors, and Family
Have any of your friends, relatives or neighbors used a contractor’s services recently? If so, ask for recommendations. Specifically, ask about pricing, project duration, the contractor’s communication skills, and the overall quality of work.
Inquire About the Contractor’s Residential Real Estate Remodeling/Construction Experience
When you find a few contractors whom you like, ask about their overall experience with the project you have in mind. You may not like entrusting your bathroom renovation to a contractor who only does kitchen remodels.
Check Licenses and Complaints
Does the contractor you want to work with have a current license? Subcontractors and general contractors need a license to work, so ask to see one before you hire anyone. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the contractor has had any complaints or a history of litigation. Even with a current license, a contractor may not have a positive performance record, which is information you should know before allowing her or him onto your property.
Check Out Online Reviews and References
Even if you find a contractor by asking loved ones or neighbors, go a step further and seek out online reviews. Do not automatically dismiss a contractor who has one or two negative reviews, as some reviewers may complain about minor inconveniences or fail to reveal that it was them who dropped the ball rather than the contractor.
Also, ask contractors for references, which can be both old clients and subcontractors. Ask about their experience working with the contractor, how close the final cost was to the estimate, how well they got along with the contractor and if they have images of the final results of the project to share.
Put these tips to good use to better your chances of having a great experience with your residential real estate contractor. Contact an Ian Perler Team representative for more tips and insights.