Remodeling your home by expanding your space with additions is a
very exciting but nerve-wracking process. Of course, you want to find a good
contractor who can be trusted, can operate within your budget, and can
construct to code. Remodeling your home is a serious investment, so you want to
make sure you are hiring a reliable contractor who can bring you the best
quality on schedule with your timeline. Don’t make the mistake of cutting
corners on who you hire as your contractor, as you may think you’re saving
money with a lower quote,but you may regret it when faced with errors, delays,
and a poorly designed addition, which is more expensive to fix in the long run.
For a home renovation project to run smoothly, you want a contractor who is
well experienced and stress-free to work with. If you are looking for a room
additions remodeling expert, look no further than Structura Remodeling, awarded
the title of one of the Best Home Addition contractors in Los Angeles by Losangelesarchitects.org.
To help you be
confident in your choice of contractor, here is a list of tips for securing one
for your room additions projects:
1) CLEARLY
OUTLINE AND DESCRIBE YOUR HOME REMODELING PROJECT
Make sure that you
have a clear idea and outline of your home remodeling project before seeking
out a contractor. This will allow you to receive the most accurate quotes from
contractors as well as pick out ones with the most relevant experience and resources.
The fewer adjustments or requests for changes you have later on in the project,
the more money you can save by not having to go over budget, having to extend
timelines, or having to redesign your project.
2)
ASK AROUND FOR REFERRALS FROM HOMEOWNERS LOCALLY AND IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Oftentimes there
are other homeowners in your neighborhood or general vicinity who have had
remodeling or renovation work done, and by asking around, they may be able to
refer you to some of the best in the business. Contractors heavily rely on good
and accurate client testimonials to show customer satisfaction and their
experience, so it is always good to be referred to your contractor by someone
else who is happy with their work.
3)
LOOK AT THEIR ONLINE REVIEWS
If you are looking
at contractors that haven’t done work in your neighborhood or area before, it
is helpful to look at online reviews. Other customers who are either satisfied
or dissatisfied with their contractor’s work are likely to leave reviews on the
internet that have feedback making it easier for you to narrow down your
choices. You will also be able to get a better understanding of the quality of
their labor, materials, and workmanship which may help in your decision-making.
4)
DON’T BE DISCOURAGED BY BUSY CONTRACTORS
If you speak to a
contractor who seems to be very busy and in high demand, while initially
discouraging, this is actually a good sign. If the contractor is constantly
working on projects and has a steady stream of business, this means that they
are likely quality and reliable contractors. This may be a good choice, even if
you have to wait a few months to be put on their schedule.
5)
GO WITH YOUR INSTINCTS
If you have a good
gut feeling about a certain contractor, and feel comfortable with their skills
and ability, they may be a good choice. A good relationship with your
contractor is important.
6)
PICK A PRO
Rather than opting
to try and do your home renovation project yourself or within an experienced contractor, especially when it
comes to room additions, it is almost always better to pick a professional. It
is better to know your project will be completed well, on time, and on budget
by putting your home into the hands of a pro.
7)
ASK HOW LONG THEY’VE BEEN IN BUSINESS
Oftentimes, the
longer a contractor has been in business, the more experienced and qualified
they are. Don’t be afraid to ask how many years they’ve been on the job.
8)
REVIEW THEIR PAST WORK
Always look at the
contractor’s past jobs and projects to make sure their work and style align
with your needs. You should be satisfied looking at the pictures on their
website from previous clients’ homes.
9)
VERIFY INSURANCE, LICENSING, AND PERMITS
Make sure your
contractor has the proper licenses and government permits to legally do home
construction work in your area, and that they have insurance to cover the cost
of potential injuries on the job.
10)
ASK ABOUT CHECK-INS
Ask about how
frequently you can expect to sit down with your contractor and check in on the
progress of the job to make sure you are on schedule, budget, and everything is
going according to plan.
11)
GET A WRITTEN CONTRACT
Make sure you have
a written and signed contract with an agreement of your terms prior to starting
your project and be sure to record all aspects of your job. Good contractors
should have detailed contracts with information about financing and what
happens in case you aren’t satisfied with the work.
12)
BE FLEXIBLE ON PRICE
While you may be
trying to stay within a budget, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. It
is better to pay a little more for a reputable contractor and get quality
results than needing a replacement later on. Do the job right the first time.
13)
GET THE DETAILS ABOUT FINANCING
Make sure you know
exactly when to pay and how much you’re paying when it comes to up-front cost,
financing, and interest before the job starts s you’re not blindsided by
unexpected costs.
14)
KNOW EXACTLY WHO IS COMPLETING THE WORK
Make sure you know
if your contractor or a subcontractor will be completing the work, and that you
are comfortable and confident working with all parties involved.
15)
ASK ABOUT MATERIALS AND THEIR COST ESTIMATE UP FRONT
You should be made
aware of the choices of materials for all aspects of your project and why they
are being chosen. You should be provided with options for upgrades or
budget-friendly materials and approve them ahead of time.
16)
WHO CAN YOU EXPECT IN YOUR HOME WHILE WORK IS DONE?
Will there be a
renovation supervisor on site while work is being completed? You should have a
point of contact on-site while work is performed to direct questions to.
17)
KNOW THE WHAT-IFS
What if there are
unexpected problems with the renovation? Ask your contractor how they handle
unexpected situations during remodels and how they may affect your timeline and
budget.
18)
KNOW WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY WITH THE JOB
Ask about how the
contractor will handle customer complaints and if they have any policies in
place for making sure you are satisfied with their work before the job is over.
Whether you want a
complete home remodel, a room addition, or want to refresh and
modernize your Kitchen or Bath. We deliver top-quality artistry on time and
within budget—no Hidden Surprises.0% financing on approved credit.
