Charlotte, better known as the Queen City, is an affordable place for anyone who loves close-nit communities and outdoors. if you are planning to build a new house from the ground up or you want to do some remodeling at home, take into consideration you will need to hire a contractor.
You sure have heard lots of stories about home remodeling projects undone, projects that falls down easily, lack of proper permits, which makes it a horrible experience no one wants to live.
Take the right decision and hire the right contractor for home remodeling with these simple steps:
1. Get some recommendations from friends and family:
… and even coworkers, building inspectors around the area. It is important to ask people around, especially if you are not an expert in the subject. You can also check for a list of inspectors at the National Association of Remodeling Industry.
2. Schedule a meeting face to face with the contractor:
First of all, talk to the contractor by phone call and then, it is important to meet face to face with him, as he will be the person you will be working with, he will be the person who’ll spend a lot of time at your place, will know your family, so, it’s recommended to have close communication previously and discuss the project, estimations, budget, and more…
Even when you meet face to face with the contractor, you can check if complaints have been made to anyone you have considered. The Better Business Bureau and the state consumer protection agency (North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services) can help you with it.
In Dream Home Builders and Remodelers, we have 25 year of construction experience in Charlotte as we have Certified Green Builder with the National Association of Home Builders.
3. Make a plan and ask for bids for a couple of contracts:
At this point you must already have a list of contractors they seem responsible and trustworthy. You have to evaluate all your bids and compare them. Not necessary the cheapest one is the right one, you have to take into consideration that that might imply in cheap construction materials which is not the idea.
They should break down the cost of materials, which count for 40% of total costs, profits margins, around 15 to 20%, and the rest is for labor and other expenses.
4. Discuss payment schedule from the very beginning:
Generally, for large projects, it is recommended to start with 10% once contract is signed. Then, you’ll make 3 payments of 25% along the project and the last one for 15% once everything is more than finished.
5. Draw up a contract and put everything in writing:
It is very important to put everything in writing: payments schedules, a start day for the project, material to be used, worker’s compensation payments, cost of materials and job expectations. Any other details must be established in the contract documents. If there is someone who is not able to put things in writing, it’s simple! Just don’t work with him!
Finding the right contractor gives you peace of your mind, as making renovations and home remodeling can be very stressful. These tips can help you make the process a bit easier.