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Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

By
Real Estate Agent with Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, TREC #0492321

Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

Hiring a Remodeling ContractorMany homeowners may be faced with that decision to hire a remodeling contractor to brighten and spruce up their homes. Before you make that very important decision, here are a few suggested tips for all those homeowners, who are thinking about remodeling their home.

1. Get a least three written estimates.

2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor has completed.

3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.

4. Be sure the contact states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.

5. Make as small of a down payment as possible , so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.

6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.

7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances, you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

8.  Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.

9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.

10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.

11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.

12. Don’t make the final payment until you are completely satisfied with the work.

Your local San Antonio Real Estate agent will be able to provide you with a list of contractors in your area. Contact your local San Antonio Real Estate agent at 210-789-4216, or visit my website at San Antonio Real Estate and Homes For Sale for more information.

(Information in this post was provided by Independence Title Co.)

Comments(34)

Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Cindy. Hopefully, two out of the three will be close. Sometimes when you tell contractors you are asking for bids and estimates, they may try to under bid that other contractor just to get the job.

Aug 14, 2011 02:03 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Kathy.  Let's hope that who ever is reading don't forget any of these tips. I have been burned myself in the past for not knowing about some of these tips.

Aug 14, 2011 02:05 PM
Christine Smith
Buyers Brokers Only LLC - www.BuyersBrokersOnly.com - Canton, MA
Exclusive Buyer Agent & Attorney, Canton, MA

Jerry....excellent tips for buyers who are going to be remodeling their new homes.

Aug 14, 2011 02:14 PM
Shirley Parks
Sands Realty 210-414-0966 - San Antonio, TX
Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate

This is very important, Jerry.  Many people have been burned by unscrupulous contractors.

Aug 14, 2011 02:58 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Thanks, Christine. Many buyers are looking for contractors to do some fix up or remodeling on their new homes. Hopefully, they won't get taken advantage of.

Aug 14, 2011 03:00 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Yes, Shirley. I have had a few bad experiences myself, and I wouldn't want the same things to happen to others.

Aug 14, 2011 03:02 PM
Cathy Criado
Criado Realty - San Antonio, TX
Making Real Estate Profitable
Very nice checklist Jerry.  You may also want to consider what they know about energy rebates and are they certified to work on homes built before 1978. 


Aug 14, 2011 04:19 PM
Shirley Parks
Sands Realty 210-414-0966 - San Antonio, TX
Broker, 210-414-0966, San Antonio TX Real Estate

We have had a bad experience with a contractor, too.  :o(

 

 

Aug 14, 2011 04:24 PM
Lisa Dunham
Alexandria, VA
Associate Broker, Alexandria Virginia Real Estate

These are all great tips for hiring a contractor Jerry.  I am sure many home owners will be grateful for this list and will gladly follow your suggestions!

Aug 14, 2011 04:52 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Thanks for the post Jerry.

I have been a contractor for half my life. I can honestly say that people do not follow these suggestions. Every once in a while, I see a few of these things, but it just isn't done. That's exactly why we hear these horror stories from those that didn't check the contractor out properly. This list is important for all who want to work with a contractor.

Aug 14, 2011 07:34 PM
Barbara Hensley
RE/MAX Properties - Rockwall, TX
Homes for Sale in Rockwall County, Texas

Jerry - this is the most complete list I have seen and I have bookmarked it to give to a couple of my clients who are considering adding on to their home.  Great information - thank you!

Aug 14, 2011 11:16 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Cathy, Thanks for your suggestion about energy rebates and those homes built before 1978.

Aug 15, 2011 02:12 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Yes, Shirley. I am sure many of us have had an experience with a contractor that we could share.

Aug 15, 2011 02:13 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Good Morning, Lisa. Let's hope that many home owners will follow these tips and suggestions before they hire that contractor to work on their homes.

Aug 15, 2011 02:15 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

You are Welcome, Tom. Great hearing about following these tips for a contractor like yourself. I appreciate your input today.

Aug 15, 2011 02:16 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Yes, Barbara. I hope this list will truly help your home owners to be prepared for hiring their contractors in the near future.

Aug 15, 2011 02:17 AM
Don MacLean
New England Real Estate Center Inc. - Easton, MA
Realtor-Homes for Sale- Easton, Mass 02356

Jerry, great tips.

Also when possible get references and interview contractors that people you know have used and had success with.

Enjoy the day

Aug 15, 2011 06:45 AM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

Some great advice, Jerry, personal references whenever possible and keep an eye on the progress.

Aug 15, 2011 09:56 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Thanks, Don. Getting those references are very important too. Even going to check some of their completed work is a good idea.

Aug 15, 2011 02:20 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Teral. It pays to keep a close eye on any contractors. Don't make that final payment until you are satisfied with his work.

Aug 15, 2011 02:22 PM