The most important factor to consider when hiring a remodel contractor

We all know that I took my time with my remodel. Bits and pieces are still ongoing and we continue to have to hire and contract out for work on our barn and other commercial properties we own. The bulk of the work to our residence, however, took place in the first few years we lived in our house and had to search and beg for the right people to come in and do what we wanted done. I usually trusted my instincts when meeting trades and for the most part I think I avoided what could have been some bad situations. I did give leeway to too many contractors that promised to get back to me with info or quotes and never followed up. Because I don’t like to waste people’s time- if I trust you I usually won’t get a secondary quote. This led to some longer gaps between projects when I got ghosted for 2 months and didn’t have a back-up and basically had to start over.

The most important thing I cannot stress enough is to make sure the contractor really wants to do your project. Like really wants to do it. If they put you off, if they tell you they will try to fit it in between other jobs, if they seem less than enthusiastic and say stuff like- “well, I mean we can do it…” Fill in the … with “but we don’t really want to unless we have to.” If you’re like me you might want to ride it out, to give them the benefit of the doubt, to not want to have to start all over with someone new. But trust me- you are reducing your chances of a satisfactory outcome.

I won’t name the remodel company I worked with more recently (actual picture of their craftsmanship above) that surprised me the most by doing this but all the signs were there. They were slow so they had a little time in between other (more important) projects. They didn’t want to commit to exactly what I wanted to have done. They showed up and complained about everything. Every obstacle was a big inconvenience (imagine just exasperation over every task). They ran out of supplies and tried to go get more while on the clock (we quickly offered to run so they could keep working). And the ultimate- they tried to blame their lack of preparedness and understanding of the plans on the lumber rep I had prep and deliver the supplies. Throwing a fellow trade under the bus to cover for your mistake is a huge red flag. It’s easy- say “I guess I misunderstood the plans.” It’s okay. I respect that more than trying to be a know-it-all and justify how you aren’t “technically” wrong when you made a simple mistake.

Qualities to look for in a good contractor-

• They listen to what you want done and make useful suggestions to improve your plan without acting like your original plan or idea is the most ridiculous thing they have ever heard (see also- exasperation over every task).

• They show up prepared and ready to problem solve. They don’t make a habit of having to leave the site to get supplies they should have brought with them.

• Not overly defensive- they are willing to admit when they might have misunderstood the plans if they are questioned.

• They clean up after themselves. This is such a minor thing- but my experience has been that the trades that clean their space up every day, after each task, that take pride in an organized work area, do a better cleaner more attention to detail job overall.

And that’s my advice from over 15 professional years working in the construction world and even longer than that working with contractors on personal remodel projects. Good contractors are scarce and it can be hard to find a good fit but the good ones are worth it when they come along. They will celebrate your ideas, help you navigate the unexpected and show patience if there needs to be changes. If you ever want a referral for the good ones- reach out- I am happy to share. I’ve finally had more good ones recently now than bad ones!