When it comes to any home improvement project, choosing the right man (or woman) to assist you with the job can be overwhelming. Bathroom remodelling projects are especially daunting, even for the seasoned DIY-er! Take a look through your local Yellow Pages and you’ll find an endless supply of contractors and home improvement companies. A study by the Small Business Administration found that nearly 96% of all new contractors were out of business within two years! So how do you choose someone you can trust?
Take your time and do some homework!
1. Get referrals from friends and neighbors who have updated their bathrooms. People LOVE to talk about their homes and when they’ve had a great experience with a bathroom remodelling company, they’re happy to spread the word!
2. Go online. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Home improvement contractors are top of the “hit-list” for complaints. Find a company with an A+ rating. Be cautious of online reviews. Many review sites are not monitored and comments are often posted by companies and contractors themselves in an attempt to advertise. A website such as Angie’s List however can be a great tool to use. Customers must pay a nominal fee to join and all reviews are honest and reliable. If a company has received good reviews on Angie’s List they are worth checking out.
3. Ask for references. A reputable company should be able to provide you with names of past customers in your area who are willing to speak with you. Ask specific questions. Was the work performed on time? Was your home cleaned and cared for at the end of the project? How did the final cost for the project compare with the cost estimate?
4. Make sure the company has the proper insurance and licenses to work in your home. A reputable business will have no problem providing you with copies of Workman’s Compensation and Liability Insurance information.
5. Be wary of taking the lowest bid you are given. Statistically 80% of people registering complaints with the BBB took the lowest bid for their remodelling projects. You truly do “get what you pay for” most of the time.
6. Get everything in writing! You can never protect your investment enough!
7. Enjoy yourself! Working on a bathroom remodelling project does not need to be stressful. Find someone you enjoy working with. You will be trusting them with your time, your money and your home so you’d better like them!
