Home improvement is often a big investment, and it’s important that you choose a contractor that you can rely on to complete your project on time and budget with the high level of craftsmanship and customer service that you deserve. For many homeowners, finding that contractor is easier said than done, and with that in mind, let’s explore how to find a reliable home improvement contractor.

• Schedule Three or More Estimates

When looking to find a reliable home improvement contractor, the most common mistake homeowners make is not scheduling enough estimates. The rule of thumb in the industry is to get at least three bids on the job, and there’s nothing wrong with scheduling more than three if you have other candidates that interest you.

There are a number of benefits to this approach. When you deal with multiple contractors, you get a better sense of what is usual and what is not. This includes how the contractor treats you and goes about the estimate but also the pricing for labor and materials.

• Verify Licensing and Insurance

Contractor licensing varies from state to state, so you should look up the requirements in your particular state in order to know what to expect. Green Eco Solutions provides home improvement services in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which both require home improvement contractors to be licensed and to show the license number on company vehicles. Contractors have to show proof of licensing and insurance all the time and should be glad to provide it to you when asked. A contractor that isn’t happy to provide that information or can’t provide it is a serious red flag and is best the be avoided.

• Request References

Online testimonials for a company along with its Better Business Bureau profile can tell you a lot about it, but an even better way to get a feel for a contractor is to speak with past customers. Ask about their various experiences with workmanship, customer service, and so forth.

• Be Wary of Low Bids

Having three or more detailed estimates will give you a good idea of the current cost of labor and materials. Be mindful that material prices do fluctuate based on a number of factors, so your material costs may be higher or lower than they were for your neighbor for a similar project a year ago.

Understanding the worry with low bids is important to understanding how to find a reliable home improvement contractor. Bids will vary, but outliers are cause for concern. A bid that’s too low may mean that subcontractors don’t get paid or corners are cut with material quality or elsewhere, and homeowners who accept underbids often end up paying more than the realistic bids they passed on.

• Be Flexible With Scheduling

The best home improvement contractors are busy. This is a good sign, and while homeowners understandably want their projects started as soon as possible, a little patience goes a long way. Better to wait a bit for a top contractor than settle for one who won’t deliver the same level of work.

• The Contractor Should Acquire Permits

Permits are usually required for home improvement projects. Your contractor should acquire all necessary permits. There are fees associated with those permits, but that cost should be included in the bid. A contractor asking you to get the permits is not usual and is a red flag.

• Sign a Contract

A home improvement contract protects both you and the contractor and is one of the most important elements of our advice on how to find a reliable home improvement contractor. You should not only require a written contract but be wary of the contractor who doesn’t want to provide one. Your contract should cover all aspects of your home improvement project explicitly, including anything that you may have negotiated, such as a payment schedule and deadline.

Down payments are also typical in the home improvement industry, and most states actually limit how much a contractor can ask for. If your state does not have a limit, then expect anywhere from 10% to 25%. Less than 10% is fine as there are some contractors who do not require a down payment. More than 25% is not reasonable and should be refused.

Find the Right Home Improvement Contractor

Green Eco Solutions is an established and trusted home improvement contractor that has served New Jersey and Pennsylvania for decades, and we set high standards for ourselves when it comes to craftsmanship, customer service, and reliability. Contact us today if you have any additional questions about how to find a reliable home improvement contractor or would like to schedule an estimate.