Renovation Question and Answers: How Do I Choose My Contractor?

Collage: How Do I Choose My Contractor?
The Most Common Question during the National Home Show 2010
2010 @ wobuilt.com

During the National Home Show I volunteered at the Bild booth (Building Industry and Land Developer Association), trying to be a good member. The purpose was to help people visiting the show with renovation questions. Interestingly one of the most common question was: how do I choose my contractor.

Here is the advice:

[1] Look at the Bild directory for contractors. We are all following the Renomark Code of Ethics.

[2] Choose three to five contractors and start interviewing them.

[3] Most important: Do you like the contractor, do you have a good feeling about them, do you have a rapport. Renovations can be lengthy and are like a marriage: lots of up and downs. If you don’t have a rapport your renovation might become a nightmare for all parties.

[4] Look at the estimates – are they detailed and comprehensive, can you compare them.

[5] Ask questions about the estimates, clarify details, lowest cost is not always the best, make sure you compare apples with apples.

[6] Ask for construction processes and have them explained to you.

[7] Look at the contracts – are they fair and equitable? Both parties have to have a win/win situation.

[8] Payment schedules – are they fair?

[9] Have several interviews – If the contractor asks a lot of question about you, this is also a good sign. They need to be comfortable with you as well.

[10] Ask to see the people who will be in charge of your project. Do you like them.

[11] Ask for references only for the ones you have shortlisted.

I cannot stress enough the importance of liking your contractor, and vice versa. In any renovation will be issues, problems and set-backs as much as great successes and highs. It is a roller coaster which can be much better endured when you and your contractor are a good team and work on the issues together.

This can bring out the most amazing design and construction solutions.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

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