Everyone knows that it's important to hire the right contractor for your remodeling and construction project. Unfortunately, there's no universally accepted list of the best remodelers or a standardized rating system for general contractors. As a result, some homeowners continue to second-guess their decision even after hiring someone to manage their remodel.
In this post, I'll cover 14 signs that you've found a great contractor or remodeler to handle your home renovation.
The best remodelers ask far more questions than they answer.
To be a top-tier remodeler, you have to be a great communicator, and that requires true listening skills.
Whether it's during the initial proposal process, the design stage, or the construction and building phase, your contractor should be focused and present, paying close attention to your words and taking the time to understand your questions and concerns.
Contractors have busy schedules and long days, but they should never make it feel like your questions are a bother. Instead, great contractors welcome your questions because they want you to be comfortable with the direction and evolution of the project.
Since they can't always be reached directly, great contractors typically give you another person as a point of contact, like a project manager, whom you can reach by phone or email if something comes up.
Most contractors don’t have in-house designers. When design and construction happen under one roof, decisions about layout, structure, and cost happen together instead of in isolation. That coordination prevents many of the budget surprises and redesigns that occur when homeowners hire separate designers and contractors.
While you can search online and sift through anonymous reviews, the truth is that gathering referrals from people who have completed similar projects is the best way to find a great contractor. Knowing that the person or firm you've hired got a strong vote of confidence from people in your network should provide peace of mind that you're in good hands.
A remodel is an exciting opportunity to upgrade your home and enhance your everyday life, and you want your contractor to contribute to that excitement and make your project feel special. On the contrary, it can be incredibly deflating for customers to feel like their contractor is just punching in and punching out.
A great remodeler is willing to think big. This might mean suggesting a bolder design or larger project scope. However, there's a difference between offering big ideas and insisting on them. A standout remodeler will provide these ideas as options but will let you determine whether they fit with your vision.
Custom remodeling requires design thinking, structural planning, and problem-solving specific to each house.
Almost any contractor can do a basic pull-and-replace remodel. Where the best remodelers shine is their ability to do custom remodeling, including design work with well-thought-out ideas that are tailored to your space and your needs. If your remodeler has a track record of custom work, it tells you they know how to adapt their craftsmanship to suit your home.
Contractors who mainly build decks, siding, windows & concrete may not have the systems or experience needed for complex renovations.
In the vetting process, you want to check the contractor's previous work to ensure they have experience with similar projects. Consider the size of your space and the type of work you need, and, if your contractor has comparable projects in their portfolio, you know they have the right experience for the job.
A great contractor isn't afraid to discuss and deal with granular details like contracts, payment terms, change orders, and potential disruptions to the project timeline. These aren't the "fun" parts of any remodel, but they are absolutely necessary. Honesty and transparent communication are hallmarks of a great remodeler, whether they're describing floor plans, budgets, or the risk of unanticipated delays.
Remodels tend to kick up a lot of dust, especially during the demolition stage. This is precisely why great remodelers plan to prevent dust from affecting the rest of your home. You want your contractor to be proactive in ensuring the best protection and end result for your property.
Exactly the approach we take at Compelling Homes. We will treat your home like a controlled work environment, using plastic barriers, air filtration, and careful site management.
There's no doubt that a renovation can cause a lot of disruption, but the best contractors aim to make your house as livable as possible while the work is ongoing. This includes a plan for storing materials and supplies and keeping dust and dirt from being tracked around your home. You also want your contractor to give you a heads-up about when different types of work are being done so you're aware of things like water shut-offs or excess noise.
Contractors may hire subcontractors to do part or all of the work for a construction project. For example, they frequently hire plumbers, electricians, and painters for specific tasks. That means these subcontractors will be working in your home and will play a huge role in the final result.
The best remodelers have a network of reputable subcontractors who are efficient and highly professional. This can be hard to assess from the outset, but as the project begins, you'll typically be able to pick up on whether your contractor works with top-tier tradespeople.
Local contractors are often better equipped to navigate regional challenges specific to Iowa, such as climate considerations. They can offer insight into the ROI of different types of upgrades for properties in this market. Unlike a national firm, they don't have to research the Des Moines market—they already know it like the back of their hand.
Another benefit of a great local contractor is that they are already well-versed in how to comply with local building codes, including the steps needed to get the right permits and inspections. Permits for projects like additions or structural changes must be obtained from the City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center.
During the planning stage, ask potential contractors about the permits required for your project. A high-end remodeler knows their way around the permitting process and will take care of it for you as part of the services they provide.
Compelling Homes is a design-build remodeling firm with more than 15 years of experience in greater Des Moines. Our in-house designers collaborate with homeowners to create customized project plans, and our expert construction team makes those plans a reality.
To get more information about who we are and the benefits of the design-build process, we invite you to visit our website. You can also see our portfolio and contact us today to schedule a consultation about your remodeling plans.