Useful tips and tricks for reliable contracting

Planning to remodel your home? The entire process can be exciting. But, it can also be a bit intimidating. You have to make big decisions and handle significant expenses. To make things easier, it’s crucial to ensure reliable contracting for the job. Especially, since your home is likely your most valuable possession. 

If you’re wondering how to find the best home renovation contractors near you, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you understand who to hire, when to hire, and how to hire.

Just remember, it’s important to do your due diligence when looking for a contractor who fits your needs perfectly.

How to go about reliable contracting?

Finding reliable contractors is crucial for a successful home improvement project. Taking the time to ensure reliable contracting will ultimately save you time, money, and potential headaches during and after the project. 

Here are some tips to help you find trustworthy contractors:

Ask for recommendations

It’s a good idea to seek recommendations from your friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues who have had similar home improvement projects done. Personal referrals are generally reliable.

Check their online reviews

Don’t forget to read the contractors’ online reviews on Google, Yelp, or specialized review sites. Explore both positive and negative feedback to get a complete picture.

Verify contractor credentials

Ensure the contractor you are considering has the requisite license and insurance. You can confirm the credentials with your local licensing board.

Request contractor bids

When comparing bids, request a detailed breakdown of costs, including materials, labor, profit margins, and additional expenses. Typically, materials make up around 40 percent of the total cost. The remaining portion covers overhead and the standard profit margin, ranging from 15 to 20 percent.

Interview multiple contractors before hiring

Don’t settle for the first contractor you find. Interview and compare cost estimates from at least three different contractors. 

Read more: Construction estimating software

Ask the right questions

Make sure when you interview a contractor, you ask a lot of relevant questions. This will help put all your apprehensions to rest. 

Ask for references

Request references from the contractor and contact previous clients. Take time to inquire about their experiences with the contractor’s work and professionalism.

Check Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Visit the BBB website to check for any complaints or ratings associated with the contractor. A good BBB rating indicates a reliable contractor.

Visit previous projects

If possible, physically visit completed projects by the contractor. This will give you a good idea of their work and its quality.

Clarify communication channels

Emphasize that there should be clear communication throughout the project. A reliable contractor will be open to discussing progress, addressing concerns, and providing regular updates.

Get a written contract

A detailed written contract is essential. It should include project timelines, payment schedules, materials costs, and any other important details. Avoid contractors who are unwilling to provide a written contract.

Trust your gut instincts

If something feels off or if the contractor is pressuring you, consider it a red flag. Trust your instincts and choose someone else. If you’ve already signed up with a contractor, consider letting them go. 

How to identify the most reliable contractors?

Identifying the best contractors involves paying attention to certain signs and qualities. That way, you can increase your chances of hiring a contractor who is not only skilled but also reliable.

Here are some key indicators:

• Your contractor should be licensed, bonded, and insured. These credentials protect both you and the contractor.
• They should have a positive reputation and a strong portfolio in the remodeling industry.
• They should be experienced contractors. Such pros often have a better understanding of the industry and can handle issues efficiently and effectively.
• Reliable contractors communicate effectively. That is to say, they listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide clarity about the project.
• The best contractors provide detailed, written contracts. The document should outline the scope of work, project timeline, payment schedule, and any other important details.
• Reliable contractors will be thoroughly professional in behavior. They will show up on time, dress appropriately, and maintain an organized work environment.
• They often provide a warranty or guarantee for their work. 
• Contractors with a stable financial standing on the market are more likely to complete the project successfully. 
• General contractors who stay current with industry trends, technology, and construction methods are often more efficient and deliver higher-quality work.

Keep in mind that a good contractor will respect your budget constraints. Moreover, they will work with you to find cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

How can Kukun help you find the most reliable contractors?

There’s no need to feel overwhelmed with the task of ensuring reliable contracting. You can do it right from the comfort of your home. With Kukun Find a Contractor, discovering the most reliable contractors in your area is just a click away!

What’s even more interesting is that you’ll have access to a unique feature called the Kukun Score. This data-driven contractor scoring system is presented as a percentage-based intuitive ranking.

The score is based on verifiable data, relevant statistics, the contractors’ professional backgrounds, customer reviews, areas of expertise, and business ratings.

This way, you can seamlessly hire a home remodeling contractor whose body of work aligns with your home project.

Written by Ramona Sinha. November 12, 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.