How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor – The Contractor’s View

Things You Will Need:

Master Bathroom

First of all, do your homework and be prepared. Collect pictures from magazines etc. Write down what you would like to have the contractor accomplish. Be as specific as possible.

Get your family together (as appropriate) and discuss how much money you are willing to invest in your remodeling project. Make a list of priorities for the project and share both with the contractor.

Home Theater and Bar

Ask your friends and neighbors who they would recommend. BBB is of little value, many good contractors are not members of BBB. Check the company website and industry affiliations. Being a member of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) is a plus, but again, many good contractors are not members of NARI.  Don’t use the various online contractor referral services. They charge contractors for every name of a potential customer while providing very little value.

Gourmet Kitchen

Talk to 2-3 companies referred to you. How do you feel about them? Do you connect or are you comfortable with some of them, is there good chemistry? If the company going to spend a few months in your home, good fit may be more important than a few hundred $$.

A good contractor will have a well written contract with all details spelled out, including start and finish date, payment schedule etc. Read it carefully and do not hesitate to ask questions.

Kitchen Design and Remodeling

References don’t have much value because nobody gives bad ones. Call the references of the contractor you decided to work with if you wish. Ovoid casual calls to the references of the contractors you are not planning to hire. Remember, their references are regular people, just like you and me; they will invest their time to talk to you. Don’t waste it.

Be direct, but understand, nobody if perfect (even you) things happen in remodeling. Whatever comes up, address it on the spot and work with your contractor to resolve any issues immediately. A good one will have no problem with that.

And most important, have fun in the process and you will get a beautiful project!

Tips & Warnings

Remember, the process of selection is mutual. You are being selected as well.

Trust your gut, if it does not feel right, don’t do it!



Bringing Value

Master Bathroom Remodeling, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Maryland

It’s been pointed out to me that one of the main reasons for this blog should be bringing value and educate people who read it.

I will do that by sharing my many years of experience in remodeling your kitchens, bathrooms, basements, building additions and making your life better, more comfortable, more enjoyable.

The bottom line of my experience is:  good design really matters.

Over the years I worked with many talented architects and designers and every project is a challenge to overcome. The way to do it successfully is to work as a team (Contractor, Architect, Owner) where the owner is the main, leading member. In a team environment, when we exchange ideas and listen to each other, the end result is always better.

In my following posts, I will share my experience with individual projects.