Have you decided on what your next home improvement project will be, but aren’t sure what to look for when finding the right contractor for the job? While the contractor search can be a journey, it doesn’t have to be a daunting one! In this blog post we will guide you on how to find the right contractor for your needs – from recommendations and referrals to getting everything down in writing. Don’t let the process of finding the right contractor stop you from fulfilling your home improvement project.
Get Recommendations from Friends, Family, and Neighbors
The best way to begin your search is to start close to home – getting recommendations from those closest to you! Ask around and see if any of your friends, family or neighbors have recently completed any home improvement projects and if so, what personal experiences have they had with the contractor that they chose.
Do Some Online Research
Another great way to begin your search for the right contractor is to use online tools such as, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, or Angi. These websites are really good as they have reviews from previous customers, they allow you to get estimates, and easily compare prices from one contractor to the next. Using your online research as well as the recommendations from your friends, you should now have a least 3-4 contractors that you have in mind as a possible hire for your next project.
Check Contractors References
Once you have narrowed your options down, the next thing that we recommend is to get contractors references. You can ask the contractor to provide you with a list of previous clients – to which you can reach out directly to see how their experience was with the particular contractor. This will also give you an idea of the quality of work that they do as well as their customer service. Remember – it is okay to ask for feedback on your contractors’ communication, timeliness, and overall satisfaction.
Make Sure the Contractor is Licensed and Insured
Many home improvement projects are big investments; therefore, it is important for you to protect yourself and make sure that the general contractor you are choosing is licensed and insured. Unlike many other states, Illinois does not require for general contractors to be licensed; however, different cities have their own specific requirements. This is why it is important to look up the contractors that you are looking into and see if they meet all the requirements per your city or municipality. You are also able to use the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation.
Get Everything in Writing
Once you have chosen the contractor that you believe is the right choice for your project, it is important to remember to get everything in writing. The most important things that you would want to get in writing for your own reference is the scope of work, the timeline, the cost, and payment terms. By having this all in writing, you are eliminating any misunderstandings down the road – making sure that both you and the contractor are on the same page.
Be Clear and Stay Involved
Whenever planning the scope of work with your contractor, it is important to be clear so that they can fully understand what your ideas are for the project and when you need it done by. Again, due to the huge investment you are making, it is okay to be nit-picky in your expectations, just make sure to communicate them clearly to your general contractor. It is also very important to try and stay involved in the process as much as possible. This will ensure that your contractor is meeting your expectations, any mistakes can be caught on time so they are easily fixable, and you can also make sure that the project is still up to speed to be completed on time and on budget. It is okay to ask questions!
Why Choose Naperville Roofing and Construction?
Naperville Roofing and Construction is a general contractor with over 25 years of experience in the field. We have hundreds of happy customers and we always try to not only meet but exceed their expectations. We offer a variety of services to include design services so that we can help your dreams for your home improvement projects come to life! We also work with a reliable public adjuster; therefore, you can be sure that you will be in good hands in case we have to get insurance involved. Contact us today for a FREE quote!
