Whether you are refurbishing your home or constructing something new, the excitement is high but so is tension. Hiring a contractor is not something that happens every day for most people so you might be unsure of where to start, what to ask and how to ensure the contractor knows exactly what you want. 

To guarantee success and efficiency, there are several things to keep in mind when hiring a contractor (trust us, we would know!) 

What Do I Want? 

Before talking to a contractor, be clear about your plans and desires for the remodel. Setting a preferred style makes it easier for the contractor to find a concept that would work for you. 

More often than not, how little you know about available options can be overwhelming. Research can help you overcome this feeling and develop a unique style. By browsing through all the different choices, you’ll make the decision-making process a lot smoother. 

We recommend browsing the Internet and social media for ideas. Websites such as Pinterest and Instagram are great because they feature design work from all over the globe, rather than just local examples.

Choosing the Right Contractor — Questions to Keep in Mind

By looking through a contractor’s website you’ll get a sense of their work before even talking to them. You’ll be able to tell if their style aligns with your wishes and if you’re a good match. Next, and just as important, check out this reviews across multiple review site platforms (Facebook, Google, Angie’s List and Better Business Bureau). Once you’ve found a potential contractor, there are several important things you need to inquire about to learn if you’re really compatible. 

What Is the Scope of Their Work? What Is Their Preferred Style?  

Depending on what you need, you might want to hire a full-service contractor or a specialized one. Whichever it is, you need to make sure they offer the service you need.

A full-service contractor manages the entire process from scratch and commits to it until the perfect end-result is achieved. That includes painting and paint selection, wall and patio decoration, kitchen cabinetry, deck installation, and more. Also, this implies keeping the architect, the builders, and the designer in check, so you don’t have to. 

If we have our mind set on a specific style, it makes sense to meet with a contractor that is capable of bringing the said style to your doors. On the other hand, if we are unsure about the style you’d like to pursue, it might be a better option to talk to a flexible contractor that offers a wide range of styles.
Many contractors derive inspiration from clients and their visions. Choosing a contractor willing to listen is key, but being open to professional suggestions might lead to a brilliant solution.

How Does the Entire Project Look? Who Will Be Working On It?

To fully understand the final result and feel safe, most of us need to be able to visualize the space before we get to see it and we need to rest assured our property is in good hands. 

A reliable contractor tries hard to identify the client’s needs and desires. They work together with the client and listen carefully. Furthermore, they come up with a suitable concept and present a fully developed idea. If presented well, it gives us a sense of security and an overall positive attitude.

Equally important are the people who will be working on our projects. The background, experience, and portfolio of everyone involved shouldn’t be kept a secret. How many people there are in the team, how closely they will be working and who’s the one in charge should all be transparent. 

What Is the Budget I Need to Allocate? 

Talking about money is never easy, but it’s essential for a smooth collaboration. You should discuss the budget as early as possible. You can get a pretty good idea of potential costs by simply browsing the websites of different companies. Also, setting up an appointment with a contractor of our choice would clear all doubts. Regardless of how small or how big our budget is, the market is huge, and with a bit of research, we’ll find the service we’re looking for. 

Final Thoughts

Renovating our space can be an exciting process. With the right contractor all we need is an idea, an allocated budget, and an open mind. Everything else we can leave in the safe, professional hands of a contractor. 

At Mike’s Decorating & Painting we’re committed to delivering a quality product since 1984. Specializing in refinishing of kitchen cabinets, front doors, staircases, as well as interior/exterior painting, drywall and garage/basement epoxy flooring, our company is prepared to partner with you on your next residential or commercial project. Let’s get rolling!