Remodel | HOMEOWNERS CONSUMER CENTER

Home Remodeling or Home Improvement

When it comes to home remodeling, and or home improvement the Homeowners Consumer Center is advocating for owners to shop hard for the best possible local contractor, and always use the absolute best materials. The old saying about paying for what you get, may not be applicable when it comes to home improvement, or home remodeling. Far to often innocent homeowners get taken by a contractor, who overcharges for a low quality job. Word of mouth is still the best way to find a good contractor. Angie’s List is a great place to find a contractor in many larger US metro areas. The reason we like Angies List so much is simple—-what contractor will give a homeowner a bad reference? Another great way to find a reputable home remodeling contractor is to talk with local building supply stores.

Home Remodeling or Home Improvement Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s

Always use the absolute best materials, or products on your home improvement, or home remodeling project.
When hiring a contractor-make sure they are licensed and insured. Many contractors are not licensed. They take your money, they vanish, and you are stuck. Insured/bonded is also critical because if there is an issue over the quality of the job, the homeowner can go after the contractors insurance, and or bond.
Always get at least three competitive bids from reputable contractors. Again, we strongly recommend the homeowner specify quality materials, or products made in the USA.
Do your research and have a realistic plan that spells out exactly what you want the contractor to do. Change orders-or add on’s in a remodeling, or home improvement job frequently needlessly cost the homeowner a lot more money

Don’ts

Do not ever hire a contractor who shows up at your front door & says “I just noticed your house needs repainting, or re-roofing. More often than not, these are scam artists. They will ask for money up front-“to buy materials”-and you will never see them again.
Don’t let the contractor specify materials—–do the research & you specify the materials. Don’t go cheap on materials—–get the best materials for your home improvement job, and keep all copies of material purchase orders, so you have proof the contractor used high quality material.
Do not prepay for a job before work begins. We strongly recommend incremental installments that are pre-agreed to by the homeowner, and the contractor-that reflect a written contract and executed by all parties.
Do not ever allow for an open ended contract with a home improvement, or home remodeling contractor. The contract should specify timelines, performance, and the specific materials to be used.