It is very difficult in today’s society to find a good contractor that can be trusted. Many individuals look to cut corners for an easy buck. Cutting corners in a kitchen or bathroom renovation might look good on the surface but after a couple of years the results might not be what you expected. For this reason, it is always important to take necessary precautions to cover yourself. Some ways to do that is to only pay a portion of the cost upfront. Have contracts specify estimated costs. Be sure to add what is expected of your contractor and when they should be completed with the project.

How can I hire the right contractor?

Process of elimination. Sometimes looking for the right contractor can be stressful. Luckily there are online tools that will allow you to search for contractors within your area if you don’t already know one. Once you’ve sorted through online search engines, you can narrow your search down to at least 3 individuals. After deciding on the top 3, schedule interviews with each. Pay close attention to punctuality, knowledge base and their willingness to answer questions.

Warning signs to look for. If the contractor seems like they are way too busy to respond right away to you, then do not go with them. This is an indicator that your project is not a top priority and may delay your project longer than it has to. If they don’t have clients, it may be for a reason. Do your research. If a contractor is asking for all of the money up front, it’s time to run. In a situation like this, a crooked contractor can disappear with your money without even putting the effort or work in. Make sure that the contractor you hire is okay with a maximum of 30% to start the project.

Be extremely direct. Nobody likes a client that is overly vague. When hiring a contractor, provide exactly what you want in your renovation. Some people hire a professional designer that will create a detailed layout and plan for your renovation. This is a really great tool to have for your contractor to avoid any misunderstandings or confusion. With a detailed plan, the contractor knows what your expectations are and can deliver faster and confidently. Be sure that you are completely satisfied with the design plan created. The worst thing you can do is change your mind during the process. Not only can it be frustrating for your contractor, it can be harsh on your wallet and prolong the discomforts of home renovation.

Make purchases you can afford. When you’ve finally chosen a contractor, you want to make sure you can afford them as well as the material for your renovation. Be sure to do your research when it comes to good deals on appliances, cabinetry, and any other items that will be needed. You will also want to consider cost efficient appliances, safety hazards (in case you have children), and level of maintenance required for cleaning.

Price shopping for the items that you can purchase will often times you can get a better deal than a contractor. Keep in mind that most contractors will add an additional 10% to the materials cost if they purchase them. Bridge Lavatory offers a beautiful array of faucets that bring elegance and beauty to your bathroom. If you want you room to pop think about adding some special tile as a focal point. Manet Tile offers unique mosaic and terracotta tiles to make your room special and one of a kind.

Above all, remember that the entire reason you decided to hire a contractor is because you don’t know how to do the renovation on your own. That being said, don’t try to do any of the work if you feel like the individual you hired is not working fast enough.