How to Choose a Home Remodeling Contractor
As much as we’d like to believe in ourselves as a nation of DIYers, the fact of the matter is that most Americans are not handy — more than 80 percent enlist outside help for home improvement projects on an annual basis. Although many prioritize essential utilities like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing in their budgets over shelling out for a professional home remodeling contractor, home remodeling services remain highly coveted — particularly for kitchens and bathrooms.
While kitchens and bathrooms typically require the most investment, any project is an investment, which is why knowing how to choose a home remodeling contractor is crucial. Given the constant demand, there are a lot of us out there — but how do you know whether they’re the right fit? Before you sign up, make sure you can answer the following questions.
Do they have the capabilities?
Your first priority is finding a home remodeling contractor with compatible areas of expertise. If you’re using a search engine, be as specific in your query as you can in describing the job you want to have done.
The contractor’s website should be upfront about what they can and cannot (and/or will and will not) do, whether that information is divulged on the homepage, a services overview page, or in a list of FAQs (frequently asked questions). Service subpages and portfolio pages can give you a great snapshot of what the contractor is capable of.
What is their reputation?
The best predictor of the future is the past — if you want to know how to choose a home remodeling contractor, start by confirming that others would choose them. Read reviews on Google, Facebook, and sites like Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, Houzz, and Porch.com. What do past clients have to say about the contractor’s:
- Communication skills and accessibility?
- Adherence to budget and schedule?
- Quality of work and materials?
- Professionalism, respect, and stewardship of their property?
There will always be outliers whenever and wherever opinions are gathered, but the consensus will rarely lead you astray. Social proof is incredibly important in this business.
Are you in their service area?
Choosing a home remodeling contractor that is close to you is common sense for a lot of reasons:
- A local contractor will know your community best (and vice versa).
- A local contractor will know the area’s zoning laws and restrictions best.
- A local contractor has the ability to be more attentive and responsive to your needs.
- If a contractor is willing to range too far beyond its base of operations, it could be a major red flag — why are they unable to find work in their own area? Are they reputable? Be wary of unfamiliar or unproven companies.
(See Ayars Complete Home Improvements’ service area in South Jersey)
Are they licensed?
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway — do NOT choose a home remodeling contractor who is not properly licensed or certified to do the work! Licensing and certification requirements vary by jurisdiction and the type of job, so there is no universal answer of what to look for. But for anyone to enter and perform work on your home without the proper (or any) credentials is not only unethical, it’s unlawful.
Beyond licensure and certification, the home remodeling contractor should possess liability insurance (to cover any potential damages to your property) and offer worker’s compensation to their employees (so you are not liable for any injuries/accidents that happen on your property).
Why choose Ayars as your home remodeling contractor?
If you live in Gloucester or Camden counties in South Jersey, you should choose Ayars as your home remodeling contractor because:
- We’ve been serving South Jersey since 1970, an area we know and love — it’s our home, too!
- We’re committed to the continuous education and certification of our employees, to develop a level of craftsmanship seldom paralleled in our industry.
- We have over 7,000 satisfied customers to our credit
- We’re fully insured (General Liability and Worker’s Compensation)
- We’re a Guild Quality member, Angie’s list certified, and own an A+ Better Business Bureau rating.
And remember, if you have any further questions or concerns, we are only a quick phone call or message away.
