You know that home remodeling projects have a tendency to end up costing more than they do on paper. If you’ve done your homework, you probably also know that a reliable contractor can mean the difference between a project that finishes on time and within budget and one that doesn’t. Here are a few things Austin homeowners should know about hiring a licensed remodeling contractor in Austin for their home improvement project.
Finding a remodeling contractor in Austin if you’ve never used one can seem daunting, but it isn’t as hard as you think. The best way to find a good contractor for any job is to ask for referrals. You’ve probably seen one or more houses in your own neighborhood undergo a remodel, so talk to the homeowner about the company who handled the work. Check with friends and co-workers. At the very least, you can start with the Better Business Bureau’s listings to seek out highly-rated Austin companies, as well as weed out the bad ones.
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to two or three potential firms, you’ll want to get an estimate from each of them—three is a rule of thumb when it comes to home remodeling projects. However, don’t just go with the lowest bidder; take the time to talk with your potential contractors at length. Ask them about their experience, specializations and availability. Make sure you understand the cost, labor, duration estimates and the exact process that will be observed. It’s a good idea to ask for references as well. You should also find out whether the company carries a surety bond, which is a form of insurance that covers the homeowner if the contractors fail to meet the terms of the agreement.
Once you’ve settled on a firm and agreed to the scope and timing of the remodeling, you’re ready to start. Recognize that a home renovation is going to disrupt your lifestyle, perhaps significantly, depending on the rooms undergoing work. Make sure you have alternative arrangements for both daily living requirements and extreme circumstances, such as if you are remodeling one of two bathrooms and experience a plumbing emergency in the other one. Be realistic about having work crews in your home. Don’t get in their way, communicate with them as needed, and be available to answer any questions the crew might have.
When it comes to home remodeling, the present is as good a time as any to take the plunge and give yourself that bathroom you’ve always wanted. Finding a good remodelingcontractor in Austin won’t be difficult, provided you take the time to look carefully and know what you want.
