Hiring a
contractor
When it comes time to renovate
your home, hiring a reputable
local contractor can take a lot
of work — and stress — off your
plate. But where do you start?
How do you know if a contractor
is worth what they are charging?
There are some simple steps
you can take to protect both the
integrity of your home and your
wallet. It all starts with knowing
what you want and researching
the contractors in your area.
SETTING YOUR PLAN
What type of home renovation are you planning? Is it
an extensive remodel that includes multiple phases or a
simpler one that may only require a few smaller projects
to complete?
Your answer may dictate whether or not you need a
contractor for the job. You may be confident in executing
some smaller “odd” jobs on your own while a larger
project may intimidate you.
The key to getting your renovation off to a great start
is defining your needs, wants and budget. Once you
have those answers, it’s time to look around at local
professionals to find quotes for your project.
22 | At Home • June 2018
RESEARCH IS KEY
We live in the information age where details about small
businesses are easier than ever to find. Local contractors
will likely have a live website or social-media presence
that will allow you to begin your research from the
comfort of your own living room.
Here are some things to look for in a home improvement
contractor:
• Proven experience completing the type of work you’re
looking to have done.
• A list of references you can call or email to ask about
past projects.
• All state-required credentials and licenses to perform
contracting work.
Personality also is key since you will likely be working
with your contractor on some home-altering decisions.
Find someone who is easy to talk to and responsive to
your needs.
SERVING AS YOUR OWN
CONTRACTOR
One of the most important decisions you’ll make during
the early stages of your home renovation project will be
whether or not to serve as your own general contractor.
Here are some of the main roles of a general contractor:
• Provide all material, labor and equipment required
for the job.
• Oversee the services necessary for the construction of
the project
• Hire and manage specialized subcontractors to
perform the construction work.
• Ensure overall quality of all work performed.
• Drive a culture of safety and compliance on the
jobsite.
• Apply for all necessary building permits and licenses.
• Provide temporary utilities on site.
• Track costs and budgets throughout the life of the
project.
Remember that there will be costs and logistics related
to hiring subcontractors for specialty work, such as
plumbing and electrical. You can save money by serving
as your renovation’s general contractor, but it can be time-
consuming to find multiple contractors rather than one.
If you are already balancing a busy family life and work
schedule, it might be in your best interest to hire a
general contractor who can keep you in the loop on these
important decisions.