Remodeling your home is exciting and filled with the promise of transforming your living space into something extraordinary! But it’s essential to lay a solid foundation by doing your homework before starting your project. I’ve known some clients who have had down payments stolen or ended up with shoddy workmanship and no recourse because they didn’t take a little time to investigate who they thought they were doing business with. So, take these steps in choosing the perfect contractor.
Designing Dreams
Design is the easiest part. Initially, it’s a collaborative step between homeowner and designer. From a conceptual perspective, there are no mistakes by letting your imagination run wild. After all, it’s dreams on paper. Your designer should provide a visual layout that captures your dreams and goals as far as functionality and style.
My grandfather used to say that “…you CAN make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear, IF you have enough silk”! So, just about anything is possible with an unbridled imagination and bottomless wallet! Unfortunately, most of us don’t possess the latter, so at this point, you will need to get a contractor bid (or three). A contractor will structure the costs of material and labor based on the design of your project and present you with a line-item estimate or bid. This is a planning phase that rarely costs anything more than your time. Until you sign a contract, you have the freedom to negotiate, fine-tune features, control costs and take your time in choosing the perfect contractor.
Hiring the Right Contractor
Transitioning from design to construction requires careful consideration when selecting a contractor. If you don’t know what you don’t know, this next step can be kind of tricky. When it comes to choosing a Contractor, it’s important to know that they have the credentials to do the work safely and legally.
In addition, how do you know that they won’t take your money and disappear? Do you know if they produce quality work… and if they don’t, what recourse do you have? Other things to know is; how often is the contractor on the job site? …meaning, do they turn the work over to their employees or subcontractors? Also, is the person who bids on your project a company salesperson who won’t be involved in the construction? …Or will this General Contractor be on site every day, overseeing your project? So, before choosing a General Contractor, do your due diligence. Research their authenticity, integrity, and credentials so that you can manage your own expectations and protect yourself.
Due Diligence for Authenticity
I am a designer, and do not act in the capacity of a General Contractor. I have worked with many GC’s (General Contractors) and believe that my clients should hire the General Contractor of their choosing. But, as I begin working on a project, I also want to know who I will be working with. So, these are the steps I take, and also request that my clients take before hiring a GC. You are doing yourself a favor (and providing yourself recourse) by ensuring you’ll be working with a legitimate company.
Checking Credentials in Minnesota
I live in Minnesota and don’t know what other States have available to their consumers, but I recommend that my clients ask for the contractor’s license number and check them out on the iMS License Management System at the Minnesota State Government Department of Labor and Industry’s website. There, you can check the status of a license, continuing education completion, work experience, plumbing bond holders and whether there are enforcement actions against a license.
Once on the DLI website, click on the website hyperlink to access the iMS or click here. You don’t need to set up an account. There’s an option to bypass and “continue as guest”. Click on that hyperlink and you’re in. Next, you’ll be able to search by license number, name, business name/DBA or several other methods. Once you’ve found your contractor, you will be able to see their registered contact information, if they are insured, when their license expires, and if they’ve been disciplined by the state due to job performance, missing continuing education requirements or other matters. Taking this small step will solidify your contractor choices and give you peace of mind.
Beyond Licenses
If that checks out, take a look at the Better Business Bureau website. Up until about 10 years ago, the BBB was the Gold Standard for company ratings and statistics. Sad to say, the rating system is managed a bit differently these days. However, it is still being used by folks who are at their wits-end when trying to resolve an issue and don’t know where else to turn. A word of caution: Don’t rely solely on company ratings; they can be misleading. Look for the company’s complaints and reviews. I won’t wade deeply into my thoughts on how the BBB now operates. Just know that “Accredited” companies pay the BBB. (Read between the lines here, folks). Read the complaints and reviews, if there are any, and trust your instincts.
Lastly, just google the Contractor’s company for reviews and make up your own mind.
Helpful to Know
In Minnesota, a Contractor Recovery Fund was created “to compensate homeowners of residential property who have suffered a direct and out-of-pocket loss due to fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest practices, conversion of funds or failure of performance that arose out of a contract directly between the licensee and the homeowner”. To qualify for this assistance, there are steps that need to be taken prior to hiring a contractor (which includes your initial research through the State of MN). Find out more about this program here.
In Conclusion
The success of your remodeling project hinges on selecting the right contractor. By diligently researching credentials, exploring internet reviews, and trusting your instincts, you come that much closer to ensuring a seamless collaboration that turns your remodeling dreams into a tangible reality. Choosing the perfect contractor really isn’t that hard, if you take a little time and do your research. If you have questions, just ask! I’ll be happy to do what I can to point you in the right direction. Happy remodeling!
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