Step 4: Finding a contractor and architect
Know what your professional needs are for a home renovation and use these tips to find the professional that suits you best.
Renovating your home is a chance to improve your home for your own enjoyment, as well as a chance to increase its resale value. Possibly the most important decision that you make is choosing your contractor and/or architect. There are several things you must consider to make the best possible choice.
Know the difference
When planning your home renovation, you’ll discover a whole slew of people to work with you. You need to know exactly what it is you need to hire for your particular project.
- Architect – An architect is required to have a college degree and state certification. Working with you, the architect designs the plans and creates a list of material specifications. They can also usually provide references for contractors that they have worked with before who can do the next stage of your home renovation.
- General contractor – The general contractor coordinates projects that use three or more subcontractors, such as electrical, plumbing, painting, roofing, etc. Most states require general contractors to have a license. Some contractors can help with planning and designing the renovation, while others do only the actual renovation work.
- Designer – Designers include a wide variety of people with expertise in a particular area of the house. For example, you can hire an interior designer to help with your furniture and decoration or a kitchen/bath designer to help with your remodeling project ideas. Unlike architects and contractors, there are usually no education or licensing requirements for designers. This makes it very important to review their portfolio and references so you can examine the quality of work.
- Design/build contractor – If you hire a design/build contractor, the contractor will see the job through start to finish. Most likely there will be an architect or certified designer used by the contractor to help with the planning and designing phase.
Know what to watch for
Unfortunately, there can be potential scams and rip-offs with contractors. Beware of the following when looking for a contractor or architect:
- Demands or only accepts cash
- Is high pressure
- Wants you to pay for everything up-front
- Tries to influence where you get your renovation loan
Any of these can be red flags that the contractor is not trustworthy.
Know what to ask
Of course, most contractors and architects follow outstanding business practices. So how do you decide which one to choose? Interviewing your potential architect or contractor helps. Be sure to ask following questions:
- What are your credentials?
- Do you have a portfolio of previous projects?
- Will I need permits for this project?
- Do you have references?
- Does this project require subcontractors?
- How long will the project take to be completed?
Remember to add any questions specific to your situation.
In addition to asking friends and families for recommendations, you can find a contractor through ServiceMagic, a company that matches consumers with pre-screened home improvement professionals.
Weigh your decision carefully when choosing an architect and/or contractor. You want to choose the person who can do the highest quality work on your home renovation at the best price.
Step 3: Creating a renovation budget.
Next step: Working with your contractor.
Published on September 05, 2006
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