Finding the right contractor is critical to the success
of any remodeling project. The contractor is responsible
for overseeing your project from start to finish -- often
spending days, weeks, and even months doing so. You will
want to find someone who has the skills and experience to complete your project,
along with a management style that fits your needs.
There are many types of contractors. Some are independent
practitioners with an expertise in carpentry, for example.
They may be proficient at building kitchen cabinets and
framing additions but lack other skills needed to complete
your project.
Others work as general contractors and manage the hiring,
budgeting and scheduling of larger projects. They also
supervise the workers and are responsible for the overall
project results. The key is to find a contractor who has
experience with the type of project you are pursuing.
Even though you may have talked to a wide variety of handymen
and specialized contractors to get ballpark estimates of
what your home improvements will cost, it's important to
know that most home improvement loans or purchase-renovation
loans require you to use a licensed contractor. In addition
to licensing, you should look for a contractor who has
a history of customer satisfaction and industry-recognized
credentials to perform the type of work you are planning.
