How to Choose a Remodeler or Builder
Finding the right contractor to complete your home improvement project is critical for success. We’ve all heard horrible stories of scam artists, in-experienced builders, and lazy-arsed hammer toting contractors that come into a home and botch everything. Not only are these imposters a nightmare for homeowners, but they also wreck the good name of builders and remodelers in general. After a bad experience, where do you, as a homeowner turn to get the job done right? How do you find someone you can trust?
There are some standard steps that can be taken to try and find a contractor to meet your needs.
- Perform an internet search for contractors in your area. This will give you a local list with phone numbers and web addresses.
- Check with free services such as Manta and Merchant Circle. There is no cost to search these directories and they will give you a list of contacts in your area.
- Check with your local Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps a builder is part of the Commerce. If so, chances are they are responsible and reputable.
- Ask around. Ask your neighbors, friends, and colleagues. Word of mouth is the best way to find someone who you can trust.
After doing the above, you should have a list of contractors. Now comes the difficult part. Knowing who to trust is a challenge. Whomever you choose to hire, BlueWater Builders suggests you first:
Meet with the builder to discuss your project. When initially meeting, get a good feel for what type of company the builder operates. Ask them questions like:
- How long have you been in business?
- How did you get started? What was your training?
- How do you work with homeowners to ensure they are satisfied with your service and end result?
- How are you better than other builders?
- How have you resolved conflicts that you have had with customers in the past?
- Do you have a list of customer references I can call and speak to?
- Do you have photographs and/or examples of work you have completed?
- How often do you stay within your quoted price when completing a project?
- Will you help me find ways to complete the home improvement project within my budget? (This includes suggestions for ways to save money).
The builder should provide you with a quote that is clear with no hidden extras or add-ons. Remember: the quoted price should always be the same as the final job cost (granted there are no changes during project completion).
A good builder will help you define the scope of your home improvement project. They will work with you to brainstorm and offer suggestions. A good builder also has an extensive network of sub-contractors that they have worked with for years. The relationship that the builder has with these subs will benefit you… Here is why: the sub contractors value the work the builder has sent them, and in turn provide the builder with good work at a discounted rate. This in turn, gets passed on to you. In other words- by working with one reputable contractor/builder you are actually working with a team of home improvement specialists – electricians, plumbers, tapers, painters, cabinet builders, flooring experts and so on. But the key is, your contact or your builder is the one who deals with the head-ache of finding these experts and negotiating their prices.
If you are fortunate enough to live in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area, please contact BlueWater Builders regarding your next home improvement project.
BlueWater has maintained a high level of quality construction and value to homeowners in the Twin Cities area for several years. BlueWater is a family owned business and enjoys the satisfaction of helping homeowners build their dreams one project at a time.
Contact us today with any questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you.
web: www.blue-waterbuilders.com
email: bluewaterbuilder@gmail.com
phone: 763.898.2858
fax: 763.477.7012
