Renovating a home is a huge project, especially if you want to do an extensive makeover. If you only want to update few things around your home, such as cabinets or lightning, then you might as well pull off a DIY project. But if you want to completely renovate a room or remodel an entire floor, then hiring a general contractor is worth the investment.
After all, not every homeowner has enough experience to completely change the look and feel of their homes. So why is it important to hire a contractor and how can you assure you are working with an experienced individual? This home addition guide has all the answers you are looking for! Read on.
5 Reasons to Hire Contractors for Home Addition
- Safety is a Must
Even a project as simple as changing the wiring around the house can be extremely dangerous if you don’t take important precautions. But a contractor knows what sort of safety protocols need to be followed during a project.
On one hand, you might be confident that you can do the job safely. But, on the other hand, there is a contractor who has years of experience working on the same project and understands what can go wrong.
Accordingly, if you know the project is complicated, it is much better to work with a contractor who knows how to avoid renovation accidents and keep your home, as well as loved ones, safe from unforeseen circumstances.
- Contractors have insurance
Even the most experienced contractor can face certain challenges during a project. And if unfortunately something goes wrong, homeowners don’t have to worry about the damage that has occurred. All experienced contractors have proper insurance to cover the expenses in case of any accident.
But homeowners usually don’t have such insurance. This means if you are handling all the renovations yourself, you might be responsible for all the damages and cost as well if any unforeseen circumstances arise.
- You can save your time
Contractors know how to complete a renovation and home addition job in an efficient manner, which can save tons of time and efforts of a homeowner. If you decide to renovate your home yourself, you will have to spend a lot of time searching for the right materials, purchasing the required tools, and experimenting with things to complete the job.
In this way, renovation will take much longer than usual. Hiring a contractor instead will ensure that the job is completed in a short period of time without compromising on the quality of the work.
- You can get professional advice
Although most homeowners know what they want, taking an expert suggestion is always a great idea. An experienced contractor can tell you what will work or not work for your home. The expertise is crucial because they can help you curate home addition house plans and decide what is the best way to do home addition without spending extra money.
- Contractors are aware of local laws
In most cities, it’s mandatory for redesign and renovation projects to meet proper regulations and coding’s, as laid down by local authorities. Most homeowners might not be aware of such regulations. But an experienced contractor can guide you in the right direction and ensure the project fulfills all the legal requirements.
How to hire the best contractor for home addition?
Home addition is a very important financial investment. Hence, it’s critical for homeowners to work with trustworthy and experienced contractors who can deliver as promised. Here are some tips to help you hire the right contractor for your project:
- Evaluate their experience in business
Before settling for any contractor, identify the experience they have in the industry. Even if the contractor does not have years of experience in the field, it’s important to evaluate their reputation in the market. You can check the contractor’s portfolio and customer reviews online to understand the quality of work you will be receiving. It’s also a good practice to discuss your project with the contractor before hiring them, so you can identify how well-versed they are in this field of work.
- Identify if they have any relevant qualifications and Credentials
There are many trade organizations that offer certifications and qualifications to talented contractors. Affiliations with such organizations speak volumes of the work ethics of a contractor. Some examples of well-reputed certifications include the Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Building Industry Membership Association (BIA), and the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). If you have found a contractor who has such certifications, then you can rest assured that you are working with a reputable and trustworthy individual.
- Don’t hesitate from interviewing them
It’s a good practice to make a quick call to the contractors you are interested in hiring to further evaluate their experience and identify their comfort in working for you project. You can ask questions like:
- Can they complete projects of your size?
- Have they worked on a similar project previously?
- How many projects are they working on right now?
- Are they ready to work according to your timeline?
- Do they work with any subcontractors?
- What is the average cost of home addition they charge?
Answers to these questions can reveal a lot about the contractor, their experience, and availability to work on your project.
- Investigate the facts
Once you have researched different contracting sites and formed a list, it’s important to put your research to use. Anyone can say anything online. Therefore, you shouldn’t rely on the online portfolio alone. If possible, try reaching out to the contractor’s previous clients and ask them about their experience with the contractor. Visit the current job site with the contractor and see how they are working. Doing so will allow you to further narrow down your list of contractors and find the right individual to work with.
- Budget is important but not the only deciding factor
Budget is definitely a key factor for many renovation projects. Homeowners can spend only a certain amount on most home addition and redesigning projects. But the price should not be the main deciding factor when it comes to choosing a contractor.
Many contractors will bid very low on your project, especially if they are looking for work. However, sometimes a low-paying job does not guarantee good results. Even if you have found someone who is ready to work along your budget, comfort and technical competence of the individual should play a greater role in the decision.
In other words, you should evaluate a contractor on how well they can communicate, understand your projects, and deliver the work. This will ensure that you are spending money on hiring a competent individual.
Conclusion
Home addition and renovation projects require a considerable amount of investment. Accordingly, it’s important to work with a trustworthy and reliable contractor who has the required experience in the industry and can help bring your vision to reality. Looking for a licensed and experienced contractor in your area? Contact Us Today and get in touch with our representatives.