What is the best way to find a basement renovation company for my project?

Basement renovations companies are prevalent in the Toronto area because basements themselves are very common. Typically builders will leave that portion of the home unfinished so the homeowner can decide the best use for the space. Since there are lots of options, you should choose your contractor carefully when considering a basement renovation. Some specialize in plumbing and bathroom installations, where others have great prices for laying carpet and other floor coverings. The Reno Pros is a company that is capable of covering a whole range of jobs, which means you can ensure the job is done by a professional contractor that shares your vision from start to finish. Deciding what your goal for the basement renovation will be is the best place to start when seeking a contractor. You can use many online references to hunt for potential contractors that include:
  • com
  • Angie’s List
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  • Yelp
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All of these sites can put you in touch with several contractors that have terrific reviews. When you have narrowed your search in the Toronto area, you should give your top 3 choices a call and see if they have time to come out and inspect your basement. You can also discuss the specifics of your project with them and they can take photos for drawing up blueprints and should be able to give you a ballpark estimate on the first visit. After they have researched materials and costs, they can then provide a clearer estimate as you move toward signing the contract. Be sure to inquire with each basement renovation company about their portfolio of completed jobs and if they have jobs that went over deadline or budget, they should be able to provide clear reasons why. There is a good 3-step list that you can use as a reference tool when comparing your candidates for the upcoming basement renovation, it can be summed up thusly:

  • Use your instincts – This is not a textbook step and requires some intuition on the part of the homeowner. Basically you will ask yourself questions about the contractor representative that came to your home. Did they seem preoccupied or genuinely interested in your project? Was his paperwork complete with an estimate and deadline? Did he manage to show up on time for your meeting? All of these are valid questions that can help paint a picture of the contractor and their level of attention to detail and customer service.
  • Analyze your research – This step in the process involves comparing the volume of reviews for each contractor to the ratings each one receives. The ratio you are obviously looking for is a high number of reviews coupled with a number of high ratings. Anything other than that might indicate a contractor that is overworked or inexperienced and this is reflected in the customer service they provide.
  • Check the licensing – All working contractors that are employed by the basement renovation company you select should be licensed and certified. Check these records and make sure the workers in your home are current. It is a good idea to check the corporate website for licenses and all necessary certifications to ensure the company is a reputable one.

These are excellent guidelines for getting you connected to a basement renovation company that will be a good fit. As mentioned above, the Toronto area is teeming with folks that would jump at the opportunity to work on your basement; you just need to focus on selecting the contractor that most closely meets your customer service needs.