4 Tips to Navigating the Contractor Interview
Hiring a contractor is not an easy task.
Remodeling a home can be a beating, and trying to find the right contractor can be overwhelming in its own right. We know because we’ve been there. Multiple times. We’ve made all the mistakes possible, but fortunately for you, our struggle can become your win.
The interview process feels like dating - you’re trying to get to know each other, make sure that the relationship works for both parties, and that everyone has good intentions. Having the correct mindset going into the first meeting and planning for it, just like you would with a first date, will help you connect with the right contractor. So what are some of the most important items to hit in your “first date?”
Cost
Network TV shows have created unrealistic expectations as to what remodels cost. Having a realistic expectation of cost going in and what can raise a quote will help prevent you from feeling defeated. The cost will largely be based on the scope of work provided and the level of materials, something a good contractor will help talk you through upfront. To give you a rough idea before going into meetings, we’ve provided some generalized costs below.
5,000 dollars for a face lift of a room.
15,000 – 20,000 dollars for a moderate bathroom
40,000- 50,000 dollars for a moderate kitchen
2. Timeline
Having a realistic expectation on timeline is vital to preventing frustration and unhappiness with your contractor. I can’t say it enough - Network TV shows have created a lot of unhappiness due to unrealistic expectations. Sadly, projects in the real world do not take between 1 week and 2 months (or the thirty minutes you’ve been watching). A safe rule of thumb is to double, if not triple, however long you think your project will take.
A good contractor will talk you through their timeline and spend more time planning up front to try and limit the number of delay causing barriers. Remember to consider that they have no control over weather and your design choices. If a contractor is waiting for your decision, it will without a doubt add days to your project.
3. Quality
It’s true: you get what you pay for.
If a contractor claims they can complete your project for less than everyone else, they are most likely cutting corners, leaving you with a project that needs to be fixed. (I have the cracking grout, patio and drywall to prove it.) We live in a day of transparency, find a contractor that will be as transparent with you as you want. Don’t hesitate to ask the contractor if you can walk a jobsite of theirs and be sure to have them detail their process.
4. Communication
How do you best receive information? Harking back to the first date analogy, do you want your date to text you or call you? Does someone sliding into your DMs make you immediately dislike them?
Good communication is essential for any successful relationship and should be at the center of your home remodeling process. Think about how you would like to be communicated with and how involved you want to be. Requesting daily updates and weekly meetings to ensure progress is being made may be the right move if you want to be heavily included, but could drive you up the wall if you’d prefer to be hand off.
At the end of the day, it comes down to comfort. Do your due diligence and find a contractor who matches your needs and, as importantly, desires.
If you are ready to start “dating” contractors, we’d love to be at the top of the list. Send us a message today!
