How to Pick a Contractor

Remodeling can turn your house into the dream home you have always wanted. The process of selecting who will make that dream a reality can be confusing.

Remember, a remodeling project begins long before anyone drives the first nail. It takes research and planning to be sure that you get the quality and workmanship you are looking for.

Where do you begin?
When you hire a remodeler you are buying a service.

Begin by interviewing more than one remodeler. Choose qualified contractors who are registered and be sure to request written bids.

Seek referrals.
Friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and others who have had remodeling work done are your best resource. You can also gain valuable advice from independent trade contractors, building material suppliers, architects, home inspectors as well as local and national trade associations (such as your area’s local home builders association and local Remodelers Council).

Check References.
You can do this in many ways. Check the contractor’s website for testimonies of past customers. You can also do a general search on the internet to view general comments on their past work. Or you can ask the contractor to provide you with a list of references.

Finally, when it comes time to make your decision, do so based on professionalism, not price alone.

A professional remodeler will:

• Save you money by doing your job right the first time.
• Ensure that your dreams are accurately translated into reality by offering design services in-house or through an arrangement with a professional architect.
• Maintain a safe and reasonably neat jobsite to prevent damage to your home or injury to household members.
• Provide the best possible materials within your budget.
• Ensure your job meets or exceeds applicable building codes and regulations.
• Be insured and licensed properly.
• Respond promptly to service calls and inquiries.
• Guarantee the quality of the work with a warranty.

Ask yourself, does the remodeler:

• Maintain a permanent mailing address, an e-mail address, a phone number, and a cell phone? You want to be able to reach your remodeler quickly and easily.
• Maintain the necessary legal documents? State and local laws differ. Contact your state and local government department of business regulations or licensing.
• Hold certification in the specialty service area you are requesting?
• Carry insurance that protects you from claims arising from property damage or jobsite injuries?

In the end, we hope you select Hudson Valley Remodelers as your remodeling contractor. We are committed to never, ever compromise quality work or customer service. If you haven’t already done so, please take the time to check out our testimony page and see what our customers have said about us!