If you are getting ready to do a significant remodel on your home, you may need to find a contractor. Simple things like painting or replacing carpet are things you can do on your own, but if you are getting into structural remodels or you are doing anything with wiring or plumbing, it is time to call in the experts to make sure everything is done right. But how do you find the right contractor to work with?

Before you can pick a contractor, you need to have a solid idea of what you want done. You don’t want to hire a contractor and then find out that they aren’t the kind of contractor you should be working with. Start by figuring out exactly what you are looking to do with your remodel and consider all the things that will impact. For instance, if you want to take out a wall, you may need a contractor who can redo the wiring and HVAC that runs through the wall. If it is near a bathroom or the kitchen, you may also need a contractor that can work with plumbing. You should also decide if you want a general contractor that can do everything or if you want to hire multiple specialized contractors to work together.

After you know what you want your contractor to do, you need to start looking at the available contractors in your area and researching their experience and qualifications. You don’t want to end up with a contractor that isn’t qualified to do the work you are asking or that doesn’t have the experience needed to complete your project. Most contractors have a portfolio of their work on their website so you can see the work they have done in the past, and they clearly list their certifications. While you should definitely be looking at those, you also need some unbiased sources to help you narrow down your list. There are plenty of sites that offer listings of vetted contractors you can use for a project.

Once you’ve done all of your research and narrowed down your options, you should actually talk to a few different contractors before hiring the one you are going to use. Talking to them allows you to get a feel for their business practices and their personalities. You don’t have to be best friends with your contractors, but if you don’t like them, it is just going to make this harder. You are more likely to have clashes down the road during the actual project. You should also get estimates on the work you want done, so you can compare pricing and make the best decision with that knowledge.

Remodeling can be a lot of fun, but choosing the wrong contractor can be disastrous. Use these tips to make sure you find someone qualified who can do the work you need done.

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