Finding the best home renovation contractors near me

A home remodeling project can come with a lot of excitement regarding the creation of your dream home. Yet, it may also bring about a certain level of stress. There are big decisions to be made, and big expenses to deal with. To ease some of the difficulties, an important step is to find the best contractor for the task. Especially, considering that your home, probably your most valuable possession, is at stake. So, if you’re wondering how to find the best home renovation contractors near me, we have your back. 

We’ll answer all your questions regarding whom to hire when to hire, and how to hire.

Keep in mind that conducting thorough research is essential while looking for a contractor, particularly a general contractor, who perfectly aligns with your requirements.

Here, we have listed some of the most relevant frequently asked questions that will give you a good insight into the hiring process. Our goal is to make your home improvement project easy and seamless. 

Why should you hire a home renovation contractor?

It’s always a good idea to hire licensed contractors instead of unlicensed handymen – especially for complex, large projects. A contractor will make your home project – be it room addition, kitchen, and bathroom remodels – easier and less stressful to deal with. 

A general contractor for instance takes care of managing all the steps of your home renovation from start to finish. After creating design plans with an architect or interior designer, they get the requisite building permits, arrange and hire subcontractors, buy good quality building materials, and handle home inspections. 

Hiring specialized contractors is a must for complex projects such as the installation of HVAC systems, electrical work, roof replacement, and plumbing. 

How do I know it’s time to hire a contractor?

Anytime you feel you’re too inexperienced or overwhelmed, to take charge of your home renovation, is a good time to hire professional help. Opting to hire a contractor or project manager for a sizable undertaking such as constructing a new home, replacing a roof, building a deck, or landscaping a yard is always a smart decision. Although it might entail higher costs compared to a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, it serves as a preventive measure against inevitable problems and the complexities involved in managing such projects.

If you are still deliberating on whether the additional investment is worthwhile, consider asking yourself the following questions:

• Are you physically capable of putting in the labor required to complete the project?
• Can you secure the necessary permits and state licensing?
• Do you have sufficient time to dedicate to the project?
• Do you possess the essential skills or knowledge to handle the task effectively?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” then engaging the services of a general contractor or a contracting company would prove beneficial.

What do contractors do?  

A renovation contractor is a skilled expert who focuses on the restoration, repair, or transformation of residential and commercial properties. They supervise a diverse range of projects – from minor fixes to extensive replacements. 

Remodeling contractors meticulously strategize, coordinate, and implement tasks such as installing cabinets, flooring, tiles, light fixtures, windows, and bath or kitchen countertops. They are capable of demolishing or replacing walls, completing painting jobs, replacing plumbing fixtures, and adding various finishing touches. They can completely revamp the appearance and layout of a house or specific rooms.

What time of year is best to work on your home renovation?

Autumn is an ideal time to undertake a kitchen remodel, master bedroom remodel, or bathroom remodel. The temperatures are pleasant and there’s no chance of rain. However, the winter months are when there’s a lull period in the construction industry. Many contractors are available and willing to work for a lower charge.  

What qualities should you look for in a good contractor?

A good contractor demonstrates a high level of expertise and technical knowledge in their field, ensuring they can tackle complex projects with skill and efficiency. Secondly, effective communication skills are vital, as they need to understand the client’s requirements clearly and keep them informed throughout the project’s duration.

A strong sense of reliability and punctuality is also crucial, as a top-rated contractor consistently meets deadlines and delivers quality work. They should maintain a high level of professionalism, adhering to ethical standards and providing transparent and fair pricing. Lastly, adaptability and problem-solving skills will allow them to handle unexpected challenges that may arise during construction, ensuring successful project completion.

Do remember that there’s nothing like a difficult contractor to make your home project go haywire. 

How far away from me can I search for a contractor?

If you’re looking for “the best home renovation contractors near me”, you need not go far to find one. You can do so sitting at home. Kukun Find a Contractor lets you find the most reliable contractors in your area – at the click of a button! 

What’s more, you’ll get access to a special feature called the Kukun Score – a fact-based contractor scoring system – a percentage-based intuitive ranking system. 

The contractor score relies on verifiable data, pertinent statistics, the contractors’ professional backgrounds, customer reviews, areas of expertise, and business ratings.

You can then zero in on the home remodeling contractor whose body of work suits your home project.

How to choose a home remodeling contractor? 

To select the right local home remodeler, it is essential to follow these steps:

• Plan ahead and understand your home remodeling process.
• Obtain at least three in-person contractor quotes to effectively compare services and costs.
• Seek recommendations from reliable sources such as family, friends, neighbors, and Kukun to find trusted remodeling contractors.
• Ensure the chosen candidate has appropriate contractor insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees for added security.
• Assess the quality of their work and reputation by reading reviews and examining their previous projects through Kukun Find a Contractor.
• Inquire about warranties and guarantees to safeguard your investment.
• Request a comprehensive, itemized contract in writing to avoid any potential disputes and clearly outline the terms and conditions.
• Be cautious about making significant upfront payments. Instead, set a fair payment schedule based on the completion of different stages of the project.

Which questions should you ask a contractor? 

When hiring a home contractor near you, you can ask them a few relevant questions such as

• How many years of experience do you have?
• Have you worked on similar projects?
• Could you share the portfolio of your past remodeling jobs?
• Are you an insured and licensed contractor?
• What is your warranty policy?
• How do you plan to handle any damages during the remodeling?
• How will you hire and utilize subcontractors?
• What will be your working hours, and that of your crew?
• How will you procure the requisite permits?
• Could you give a written estimate with a breakdown of the home renovation costs?
• What’s your payment schedule?
• Would you draw up a written contract outlining the scope of work, payment schedule, timeline, and other details?

How much do contractors charge, on average?

Local licensed contractors usually charge a fee ranging from 10 to 20 percent of the total cost of the home improvement project. However, for larger remodeling projects, the average cost may increase to approximately 25 percent.

Contractors may even charge a fixed per-day rate or an hourly rate ranging from $30 to $85 per hour. As a rough estimate, homeowners can expect to spend around $300 to $400 per day on general contractors.

Keep in mind that construction costs can vary for each project. For example, similar-looking houses with the same square foot dimension in the same neighborhood may have different costs to remodel a home due to factors such as the age and condition of the house. 

How to use Kukun’s Find a Contractor?

Search for any address

• Utilize the search feature to enter any address within the U.S.
• Specify the type of contractor you require.
• Instantly view a comprehensive list of completed projects in proximity to your address.

Look and compare

• Click on individual projects to access detailed information such as descriptions, locations, costs, categories, and more.
• Identify the respective contractor responsible for each project, along with their complete contact details.

Select the best contractor

• Once you identify a suitable contractor near your location, access their profile.
• Initiate contact with them effortlessly to kickstart your remodeling project.

Last thoughts

By hiring a dependable contractor, you can save time, resolve problems, and ensure adherence to the local building codes. A well-planned renovation project will get you a good return on investment. 

Contractors typically have an extensive network of skilled and insured subcontractors, guaranteeing precise and high-quality project execution. Additionally, home contractors take charge of procuring materials, tools, and building permits on your behalf, streamlining the entire process for your convenience.

When hiring a licensed home improvement professional, it’s crucial to include specific terms in the written contract, making the contractor responsible for the delivery of building materials and subsequent clean-up. To avoid any potential miscommunication or misunderstandings during the project, thoroughly read the contract and seek clarification by asking questions if needed. And, you are then ready to start with your home renovation project.

Written by Ramona Sinha. September 29, 2023

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.