Okay, let’s get this out of the way up front:
We’re a remodeling company. But we didn’t write this blog as a thinly veiled list of reasons to choose us. (There are plenty of articles like that on the internet already.)
Instead, we wanted to offer up some pointers that would actually be helpful if you’re looking for a remodeler and need guidance evaluating your options.
We asked ourselves: what advice would we give a friend or family member who’s planning a remodeling project, but lives outside our service area?
For starters, evaluate the contractor’s track record.
There are several ways to do this. You might start with a quick Google search to check out customer reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook.
From there, move onto their website and social media accounts. Pay attention to the projects in their portfolio. Are there any similar to the job you have in mind? Do you see examples of homes that are comparable to your own? Styling that aligns with your aesthetic?
See what you can learn about the history and makeup of the company. If they’ve been around for decades, they’re probably a safer bet than a firm that’s just starting out. And if they have a list of awards and certifications they’ve earned over the years, even better.
While you’re on their site, try to get a gauge of the company size. Would you prefer to work with a smaller, family-owned company? Or are you drawn to the capabilities of a larger firm?
The best way to evaluate a contractor’s track record is to speak with a few recent clients.
If you have any personal contacts who’ve worked with the company, ask them first. If you don’t, ask the contractor for several references—and call them up!
Of course no contractor is going to put you in touch with a bunch of unsatisfied customers. So it’s up to you to ask the right kinds of questions. For example, ask the homeowner about something that didn’t go so well during the process. Were there any breakdowns in communication or challenges with subcontractors? While it’s important to hear what they loved about working with the contractor, you want to get the fuller picture.
