How do you decide on a contractor?

We have 2 we are looking at and the amount of money just scares me. We have $70k put aside for the Reno and a cushion if need be. Almost full gut of our house. We got quote comparisons. I'm just nervous that we will make a wrong decision which will screw us over. Have never done anything like this before and worried we will make the wrong decision.

Re: How do you decide on a contractor?

We can help point you in the right direction. Call the office 516-746-3435. Ask for Ken.

Re: How do you decide on a contractor?

It's such a hard decision! We have gone by personal references, price, instinct, checked BBB website, checked Suffolk county dept of consumer affiars. We are in the process of getting quotes for a project and we've been at it since the end of November. We've met with 7 contractors. The only reason we met with so many was b/c 3 of the 7 never even bothered to send us their estimates. Guess they had better things to do!

How do you decide on a contractor?

We made our decision based on price and personal recommendations. Both of our choices were recommended by friends and we were able to see examples of their work.

Re: How do you decide on a contractor?

Don't just base your decision on price and recommendations. Look at the estimates from each company and sit and compare the materials.

Make sure that the $1,000 that company A charges you gets you the same materials as Company B. Ex, if they say New Car= 1000 bucks, find out what make, model, where they're getting it from, etc. Try and go look at the things they say they're going to use. Look at the quality. Do an Internet search and check reviews.

Make sure that you have license and insurance for everyone setting foot into your house. Electricians or plumbers, for example, are not covered under a GC insurance.

Re: How do you decide on a contractor?

Please read the last article in our blog. Hope it helps.

Tips for Selecting a General Contractor

How do you decide on a contractor?

We used a family friend. I know this is one of the things many people don't like to do, but we knew he wouldn't let us down. He did work in my MILs house. We also knew where he lived

Re: How do you decide on a contractor?

It's very important that they are licensed & insured.

Recommendations are also very important.

I also would not necessarily hire someone because he's cheaper.

Also what are some of the other things that may matter to you?

Timing of the job? Are you willing to wait till the person you are most comfortable with has availability?

Do you want only the guy who owns the company there or are you okay if he just supervises his guys?

If you have to use multiple contractors, is there one that would be overseeing everything who could recommend people he likes to work with and trusts?

Re: How do you decide on a contractor?

The contractor I went with was on the slightly higher end of the ones I interviewed, but he put down every minute detail. # of sheets of plywood, how much for electrical work for each room, how much sheetrock, etc. All of the other contractors had much more generic numbers. ($ for demo, $ for interior, $ for exterior, etc). When all was said and done, if we didn't voluntarily upgrade some items, he would have been within 1% of his estimate. I think the other contractors would have gone over their estimate, and it would have been even more than the slightly higher initial bid from my contractor.
He was also recommended by my architect, so he's worked with him, and seen his work for many years, not just one project.

Re: How do you decide on a contractor?

Make sure you do your homework and you are using someone that is licensed and that you know has a great track record on previous rennovations especially when you are spending a lot of money. Don't always go based on price. We used a family friend to remodel our bathroom and long story short we are no longer friends, biggest nightmare. So research research research!

Re: How do you decide on a contractor?