How do I select the right home addition contractor?

When selecting a home addition contractor, it is important to take your time, do your research and ask questions. Anyone you hire should have the necessary experience and licenses for the tasks that they will be doing, and with a job as large as putting an addition on your home, this is even more critical.

Research

Doing research on a home addition contractor is not as daunting as it may sound. Check their website to see if there are photos of their work, how long they’ve been in business and for any client testimonials. It’s also a good idea to ask them for referrals from customers who have already had home additions similar to what you are considering.

In addition to checking the contractor’s website, you should also check with the BBB and the Builders’ Association to see if there are any complaints against them. Finally, you may also be able to find comments on local review sites.

Getting estimates

While it’s important to get and compare estimates it doesn’t necessarily mean that the lowest price is the best option. In most cases you’ll find that estimates for the same job are comparable. If there are significant differences – high or low – you can ask questions about the discrepancy but may also want to take that as a red flag.

Estimates should always be written and dated, and say how long they are valid for.

Ask Questions

Asking questions of a home addition contractor will do two things. It will provide you with important information such how long the job is expected to take, how many crew members will be in your home, what you need to do to prepare for the addition etc. and it will also help you to get to know your potential contractor a little better. Through this interaction, you will get a sense of whether or not you feel comfortable with them.

Whoever you choose to go with should be willing to provide you with as much information as you need.  Choose someone who doesn’t mind taking the time. If they don’t respect you, how can you expect them to respect your home?

Red Flags

Reputable businesses conduct themselves as such. In researching or interviewing a potential renovator, if there are any signs that they are not a “real” business, it is best to move on. Red flags include:

  • Only accepting cash – this is a sign that they are not collecting taxes and possibly not even a registered business.
  • They ask that you get the permits yourself – a reputable renovation business will do this for you.
  • They want payment up front – this is a sign that they may not operating be with enough capital for supplies labour, etc. In other words, it could also signal that the business is in trouble.
  • There is no business phone number (they only use cell phones).
  • They don’t provide a written contract.

Adding an extension to your home can be an exciting and rewarding process, but it can also be a stressful one if you hire the wrong home addition contractor. Take your time and make the right choice. At The Reno Pros, we will take the time to answer your questions and provide great references. And so should anyone else that you consider hiring.