There are a lot of good contractors in the DC area that will get your home remodeling project done.
Why settle for good when you can have great? There are great contractors out there, but they can be harder to find. Settle for nothing less than great when it comes to your home remodeling projects. Here are some easy tips to help you identify a great general contractor for your next home remodeling project.
Look for a general contractor who provides a long list of referrals
A contractor’s reputation can really make or break them in the home remodeling industry. If their work is shoddy, word will eventually get around and sink their business. Find out what past clients have to say about a contractor. Don’t be afraid to ask for a list of referrals in order to gain firsthand knowledge of how a contractor does business. A short list of referrals can be a quick tale tell sign that they aren’t the great contractor you are looking to hire.
Find a general contractor who operates from a local address
Ask for a business card whether you are hiring out a handyman or a contractor is soliciting you for future remodeling projects. A tangible address is one sign that the contractor is reputable and worthy of your business. Avoid working with handymen who operate from a P.O. box as it will be impossible to track them down should something go awry.
Ask if a contractor holds a membership to a trade organization
Learn if your contractor is a member of any local or national trade organizations. Great contractors will join these organizations in order to raise their profile and reputation. They are essentially creating a higher standard of business for themselves by being a member of these organizations.
Check the walls of your contractor’s office for awards
Awards are often a sign of quality customer relations, business ethics, and high overall service levels. They don’t give awards to good general contractors; rather they reserve them for the great ones. These are the people you want handling your home remodeling project.
Find out how many years they have been in business
This is not to say startup contracting businesses aren’t worth your time checking out. Established contractors will usually have more referrals to check out and will have more experience with your type of home remodeling project. It is just another factor to consider when searching for that great contractor.
