poolremodelquotes.com makes it easy to start the process of choosing a contractor to do your remodel. Just provide some basic information, and contractors in your area will contact you. No need to spend hours on the phone searching for local contractors.
Once the contractors have contacted, how do you know who to select to do your remodel? Get to know your contractor.
Here are some points you'll want to cover and some questions you'll want to ask:
How long have they been in business? How many total jobs have they done?
What kind of jobs have they done? Do they have experience with your type of job (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, whole house, etc.)
Are there certain building techniques, products, or technologies (e.g. “green”) that you want to use? If so, does the contractor have experience with these?
What steps do they take to avoid damaging your home and property (e.g. walls and floors, garden)?
References are important. You can check with the local Better Business Bureau for the contractor’s record. You can also ask the contractor for references. Follow up on them, you’d be surprised what people will tell you when you ask. Visit a couple of the homes they have renovated, if possible. You can also ask the contractor for photographs of their previous jobs.
Make sure you get a written estimate in detail for your job. It should be valid for six months. Usually the total amount is split into a number of different payments – often dependent on completion (to your satisfaction) of different parts of the job.
Try to design this payment schedule to your advantage. Always try to hold back a percent of the total payment for the very end, to make sure you’re totally satisfied. Be clear on the contractor’s deposit and cancellation policies.
Be clear with the contractor on the start date and how long they expect until the job is completed. What will be the feedback points with you during the job. Daily? Less often? Try to get points like this to be part of the contract.
Assess whether you feel comfortable with the contractor. Do you have a good “vibe” with them? You’ll be working closely with this person during the time the job takes. It helps to like them!
Find out who the contractor uses on the jobs, e.g. their own crew or sub-contractors. Is there a boss who supervises the sub-contractors. Try to find out if the boss checks up on a daily basis.
Of course, make sure the basics are in place. Are they licensed? Is the license valid for your location? Do they have the proper insurance, such as liability, workers comp, and for property damage? Can they show you an insurance certificate?
In summary, do your research when making your final selection of contractor. Take your time and do it right.