Natural Selection – Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Project

Finding a qualified, reliable contractor is critical to the success of your next renovation project. The selection process can be somewhat overwhelming at times. Guide your search and narrow your focus with sage advice and insightful suggestions from industry experts.

TALENTED AND TRUSTWORTHY
Look for an accomplished contractor you can trust to help you find the most efficient and cost-effective solution to fit your project needs. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals and photos or examples of completed work. You should feel comfortable with the knowledge of the contractor, quality of work and their drive to help you make your project become a reality.
~ Gary Lambes of Step One Stair Works, Inc.

PRODUCT PASSION
A contractor should be passionate about his/her products and talents. He/she should also have good communication with the consumer and his/her workers. This will bring out the best results in a completed job… and a satisfied customer.
~ Marilyn Blazek of Blazeks Home Furnishings

CONTRACTOR SAVVY
Ask if the remodeler is a professional by proving their affiliations with professional remodeling and/or building associations that make them accountable for their work. Request a copy of the remodeler’s Liability and Workman’s Compensation coverage. Educate yourself with lead safety regulations required by homeowners and contractors if your home was built before 1978. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) web site, www.epa.gov for up-to-date information.
~ Mike Pudlik of Legacy Design & Constructions, Inc.

QUEST FOR QUALITY
When selecting a professional, never go with over-aggressive sales people or those who degrade others. Always ask for a minimum of three references and ask to see some of the work they have done. Remember, you are the one who chooses the product and the product should speak for itself.
~ Chris Graber of Cabinets by Graber

PROPER PROCEDURE
Ask the contractor for a written schedule of the job from start to finish; good contractors have processes in place to start and finish a job in a timely manner and should provide a Gantt chart of how their project will progress with milestones along the way.
~ Heidi Hauserman of Synergy Builders, Inc.


GO WITH YOUR GUT
When looking for a contractor, you should always find out how long the contractor has been in business, their Better Business Bureau rating, if they have Workman’s Comprehensive and Liability Insurance as well as how many employees are in their company. Get some referrals and most of all go with your gut. If, after speaking with the contractor, you don’t feel in control of the process or you don’t feel the job is about your needs, then you don’t want to use that company.
~ Jennifer Prell of Paxem, Inc.