What to Look For When Hiring A Contractor

We at Barrister understand that remodeling a house can be a stressful and costly process. That’s why we believe that hiring the correct contractor—even if it’s not us—can make all the difference between a good renovation and a total construction fiasco. However, even with the overwhelming options in the market, it can be challenging to find a contractor who can complete the job with high-quality work from beginning to end.

To make the process simpler, we’ve created this short guide on understanding what to look out for when you’re considering which contractor to hire for your home renovation or custom home building project in New Jersey.

Ask For Recommendations From Peers

One of the fastest and simplest ways to start out your quest for a local contractor is to ask friends, family, and neighbors for referrals. Often the best source for recommendations is other people who live in your neighborhood and have had similar renovations in the past.

They will give you firsthand accounts of the contractor’s quality of work. In addition, another benefit of relying on strong word-of-mouth reputation is that the contractor you choose will be familiar with your town and be well-informed on state construction regulations. For example, Barrister has been building homes in northern New Jersey for over thirty years—we know the area inside and out.

Make Sure The Skills Of The Contractor Match Your Project

Some contractors are experts, while others are generalists. Barrister, for example, specializes in large projects such as custom homes, tear downs and rebuilds, or large renovations and remodels. Other contractors, however, may specialize in more specific parts of a home such as building decks, or installing swimming pools. Take the time to get to know your potential contractor and look for three things:

• They have expertise in the projects that have the same requirements as you;
• The quality of materials used and craftsmanship;
• A track record of client satisfaction.

Keep an eye out for small signs of professionalism or a lack thereof. Carelessness in these minor details does not exactly reflect well for the work’s consistency.

Obtain Bids From Several Contractors

In life, it is best to know your options before settling for one. The same rule applies when choosing a contractor.

Compare at least two bids and see which contractor fits the bill. Possible aspects you might judge a contractor by are the cost of the bid, the estimated time they think the project will take, the timeliness and ability to stick to schedules, their work experience, and the reputation the contractor holds.

For example, one contractor may offer a low price but poor-quality work, while another’s higher bid price may mean superior quality.

Do Not Choose The Lowest Price Bid

You’re not the government. You have a personal stake involved in every choice you make when renovating or rebuilding, though you should want to find a reasonable price for it.

Be wary of any contractor who is willing to submit a lower offer than the competition. These contractors may not be worth it in the end, as they offer an unbelievably low upfront cost but have several hidden costs attached that inflate the end price way beyond what is within your budget.

Insist On A Comprehensive Contract That Includes The Details

Verbal agreements can be broken, and no matter how trustworthy the contractor, it is best to formulate a detailed contract that talks about each aspect-cost, time, number of employees, the scope of the renovation, etc. in great detail.

Also, make sure that you understand the contract thoroughly before you sign. Do not be under any kind of pressure to sign a contract you are not 100 percent sure of. It is a significant investment and should be made wisely.

Once You’ve Chosen A Contractor, Let Them Do Their Work

We understand that your custom home in New Jersey or your house remodel is your baby. You want everything surrounding it to be perfect. However, you need to understand that you’ve chosen a contractor; you’ve got to let them work! Trust that when you pick the right contractor, they will make your dream a reality. If you’re unsure, then don’t hire them, and keep looking.

Next Steps

Some people want a project done quickly and simply, while others want a beautiful home that looks like it came straight out of a magazine. Decide which services are most important to you, make a list, and talk to the contractor about how they can be completed in time and within a reasonable budget.

And when you’re ready to start looking for a contractor to build your dream home in New Jersey, please consider reaching out to Barrister. Call us today at (201) 891-7774 or reach out on our website for a free quote.