So you’re ready to start a remodeling project? How exciting! And a little scary too, right? There are a lot of unknowns, and you’ve probably heard horror stories about jobs gone bad. After all, there are whole TV shows devoted to wrong choices in the contracting world! To avoid a pitfall, you need choose the best contractor for your project. The right contractor will make all the difference in a successful experience from start to finish.

Your general contractor (GC) will be the #1 person in charge. He or she is fully accountable for your entire project, from planning stages all the way to completion. Your GC will hire and coordinate the expert crew and subcontractors to do the work, create budgets and schedules, manage progress, coordinate permits and inspections, and most importantly, communicate with you throughout the project. Clearly, choosing the right contractor can make or break your job. So choose wisely!

It’s easy to choose the best contractor when you follow these four guidelines:

1. Ask for Referrals

You ask friends and family for recommendations when you’re buying a formal dress, trying a new lunch spot, or looking for a dentist, right? They’ll also have great recommendations for a contractor! Start by leveraging your network to get referrals for contractors they have used personally—or contractors your friends’ friends have used successfully. This will give you a good list to start.

Screen the list with some quick phone interviews to ask key questions, including:

  • Do they do projects like yours?
  • Will they give you a list of previous customers to talk to?
  • How many other projects would they have at the same time?

choose the best contractor options2. Look for Similar Work

Filter your list of referrals by projects of similar size and scope, or even identical projects. If you’re remodeling a bathroom, start with contractors who remodeled your neighbor’s bathroom. This will help you ensure the contractor is good at the exact type of work you need. If you have a special interest, such as incorporating eco-friendly products, include this in your search criteria. The more specific you are, the better the recommendations will be. We bet you’ll get a few tips on who to avoid too!

If you have the time, ask to visit a job site for another project the contractor is working on and see for yourself how it’s going. Is it neat? Is it safe? Are the workers courteous?

Remember, they’re going to be in and around your house. By visiting other sites, you’ll get the inside scoop on what your own job will be like. And that will help you choose the best contractor.

3. Do Your Homework

When looking for a contractor, do your homework. Look on the Better Business Bureau. Review the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

But that’s just the technical stuff. What do others online think about the contractor you’re considering?

Visit the company website to see examples of projects. See what people are saying on Yelp, Google, and Facebook. It’s likely you’ll find a couple of negative comments since grumpy people will always feel inclined to share, but look at those five-star reviews as well. When happy people share feedback online, it’s worth a lot.

4. Establish a Good Connection

Having a good rapport with your contractor is critical, because it’s the foundation for trust and communication. When you choose the best contractor for your project, communication is key. You need to feel comfortable that your contractor understands your vision. Plus, you need to have timely information when things change.

If you get a bad vibe in the beginning, or if your personalities just don’t fit, it’s likely that contractor is not the right one for you.

Be Sure You Choose the Best Contractor for Your Project

Before you settle on a contractor, you’ll want to consider a few things. This is likely a big investment you’re making, so you want to be completely comfortable. You’ll also be spending a good deal of time together on this project. And headaches will likely arise. If you choose smart to begin with, any challenges will feel minimal.

You can make your selection process easier by working with MAK Construction. When you choose the best contractor, you’ll sleep easier. And MAK Construction has the best team for your project. Contact us to learn more.