Finding a Contractor

The hardest part of a home renovation might be finding a contractor that is delivers quality work on time and on budget. A major home renovation project can be a dream come true or a nightmare that costs you more money than you planned. The key is to make sure all expectations are spelled out in writing when finding a contractor you want to work with.

Get at least three bids

With any project, it’s wise to get multiple bids. When you set out to finding a contractor, get least three bids to ensure you have done your proper homework. Be sure to get three written estimates from different companies. Why not get 3 free estimates from pre-screened*, licensed and bonded contractors? Just tell us a little about your project and will have qualified countertop installation contractors contact you.

Call suppliers to determine material costs

Part of the contractor’s estimate will involve the cost of materials. However, most contractors will include a markup with this cost to ensure that they are fully accounted for. Since some contractors can get carried away with the markup aspect of the cost, you might want to call the suppliers to determine how much the materials cost without the markup.

Consider the time taken to deliver the estimate

If a contractor tells you that he or she will have the estimate by next Tuesday, but doesn’t actually get it to you until Friday, this is likely a reflection of his or her work on the job as well. If you want to find a contractor who sticks to his or her word, consider whether or not they did everything they said they would in regard to the estimate. Doing so is a good way to evaluate the future of your project and prevent any possible setbacks due to bad work ethic.

Questions to ask

There is a lot to think about when finding a contractor, especially for a major project. Make sure to take the following steps to find a contractor who fits best with your own thinking.

Do they take on projects of your size? 
Are they willing to provide financial references, from suppliers or banks?
Can they give you a list of previous clients?
How many other projects would they have going at the same time?
How long have they worked with their subcontractors?
How long has the company been in business?
Do they have insurance?

From plumbers to electricians, landscapers to A/C repairmen and everything in between we’ve got you covered. Contact 3 Free Bids when finding a contractor for your project…you’ll be glad you did! Click here to get your 3 free bids!