5 Tips for Selecting a Remodeling Contractor in Houston
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Embarking on a journey to remodel your Houston-area home? A formidable relationship with an upstanding remodeling contractor is a vital piece to the success of the project.
Making sure you’re on the same page as your contractor, along with understanding the ins-and-outs of home renovations is important. But make sure you’ve done your homework and understand these things before beginning a renovation.
Let’s outline some key tips for selecting a remodeling contractor in Houston.
1. Understand that your budget is probably not your budget
Yes, it’s a great idea to have some sort of budget in mind when beginning the process of vetting or selecting a remodeling contractor. All of our clients have budgets, but the key difference is they understand that once the remodeling project begins, there may often be certain costs that were not planned for initially. Such examples include a waste pipe that runs directly through the wall you wanted to remove or an electrical panel that needs updating.
We advise our clients to make sure they have flexibility in their overall renovation budgets, in order to handle unexpected costs. A general rule of thumb is to have an additional 10-15% set aside, in addition to the planned remodeling budget.
A specific example could be if you planned for a kitchen remodel to cost around $75,000, then you should budget an additional $7500 - $11,000+ as a contingency.
2. It might not be best to pursue multiple quotes, unless you do this…
Everyone tells you to get multiple quotes when researching and ultimately selecting a remodeling contractor. However, did you know that not every contractor is equal? Just like other industries where not every lawyer or doctor is equal - chances are if the bid for your kitchen comes in low from one contractor and high from another, there’s a clear reason why.
Contractors tend to specialize in specific projects. A new build is extremely different from a renovation or remodel, which is also extremely different from the type of work a handyman can take on. Attempting to compare a remodeling quote from a Houston-based renovation firm with in-house design assistance, compared to a one-man contractor who can handle all of the renovation (demo, electrical, plumbing, tile install, etc.), will be quite difficult. There will absolutely be price differences in the renovation firm’s quote compared to a one-man contractor with little to no overhead.
We strongly suggest that if you get multiple quotes when selecting a remodeling contractor here in Houston, that these quotes are from contractors who provide a similar level of service and specialize in the type of renovation project you’d like to complete. Just like you wouldn’t want a heart surgeon to take on a knee replacement, you don’t want a contractor who specializes in painting the exterior of homes to take on your kitchen remodel.
Definitely ask around and compare options, plus read Google Reviews - you can find ALE Renovations’ reviews here. But only compare options if you’re looking at those who provide similar services.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for references
Don’t be afraid to ask the remodeling contractor you’re potentially selecting for a Houston-area remodel for references. Just like a job interview, it’s commonplace to ask for references and a reputable Houston remodeling contractor should not under any circumstances take issue with providing past references for you to speak with.
A quick email or phone call to these prior clients can help you get an idea of the worksmanship, the day-to-day environment during the remodel and even a better idea of the trust-factor of the company.
4. Are they insured?
Protect yourself and your home by hiring a remodeling contractor who is insured. ALE Renovations personally carries a $1 million general liability insurance policy.
Again, in reference back to tip number two, a remodeling firm will always have insurance protecting both parties if any unfortunate circumstances were to arise. Conversely, a one-man contractor who can do the entire remodel himself, may not be insured.
5. Are they willing to discuss advanced planning?
Not every schedule will perfectly align. It’s important to be upfront with your Houston home remodeling contractor and discuss timeframes for your project. Often it can be longer than you might have in mind.
Unfortunately, shows on HGTV have created unrealistic expectations on how quickly home remodels can be completed. Sometimes there will be a need to make modifications or adjustments to the original remodeling timeframe. And a reputable remodeling contractor will communicate those timeframe or schedule changes to the clients.
There are bound to be some potential delays or mishaps when it comes to a renovation, after all, remodeling is complicated. Whether big (mold or asbestos) or small (weather delays or a holiday), being patient and understanding both as a client and a contractor will help in keeping your project on schedule.
We know that selecting and ultimately hiring a remodeling contractor here in Houston can be difficult. After all, it is our business!
So if you have any questions about your upcoming kitchen or bath remodeling project, please click the link to get in touch with us, we’d love to help!