Home improvement refers to the renovation, alteration, remodeling, repair or replacement of the interior or exterior of a residential or noncommercial property. It can also be the addition of new structures to a residential or commercial property.
Before hiring a company, ask your neighbors about the companies they have used and check with local lumberyards to see which contractors purchase top-quality materials. You should also be sure that the contractor is licensed.
1. Experience
A quality home improvement company will have experience working on projects of a similar size and scope to the one you are undertaking. For example, if you need to have a new kitchen built, an experienced contractor will know how long it should take, what materials to use and where to get them at the best price.
General contractors are responsible for overseeing construction projects and facilitating all day-to-day tasks that move the project toward completion. They can handle certain jobs onsite, such as carpentry, but they will also hire subcontractors for specialized work like electrical work or painting.
Curbio transforms the way homeowners interact with contractors by enabling them to have clear communication and real-time progress reports all in one place. Learn more about how we pair 3 million homeowners with professionals every year.
2. Reputation
Homeowners do a lot of research before they choose a contractor to work on their home. They want to make sure they’re making the right decision, so they look for online reviews and visit company websites. They also use search engines like Google to find local contractors. This means it’s important for businesses to be visible on these platforms.
Companies like Angi (formerly Angie’s List) offer online profiles and lead generation for home improvement companies. These sites pair more than 3 million homeowners with contractors annually. It’s free to create a profile on Angi, but you will have to pay to promote yourself beyond your basic listing.
3. Insurance
Home improvement contractors must have insurance policies in place to protect their business. The main type of policy that is required is general liability, which covers third-party damages and accidents that may occur on a project. For example, if an employee accidentally breaks a client’s window while caulking a bathtub, this insurance will cover the cost of replacing the damaged glass.
It’s important to ask each contractor about their insurance policy. Without a detailed checklist, each contractor may estimate the project based on their understanding of your verbal explanations, leading to estimates that vary greatly. Ideally, you want to get estimates from multiple contractors who are not affiliated with an insurance company.
4. Licenses
A license is essential for contractors who are looking to work on home improvement projects. Performing these types of services without one can result in fines and other administrative sanctions. It can also lead to a loss in property value.
Home improvement contractors must be licensed to perform construction, repair, or remodeling on residential land or buildings in New York City. This includes constructing, replacing or improving basements, driveways, fences, garages, lawns, landscaping, patios, porches, sidewalks, swimming pools, and terraces.
Before applying for a home improvement contractor license, you must pass the Home Improvement Contractor Examination. To do this, you must answer at least 21 questions correctly. Additionally, you must get your fingerprints electronically documented. This can be done by registering with IdentoGO and paying the fee.
5. Customer Reviews
Many homeowners are hesitant to hire contractors without researching them first. Home improvement projects can be large investments and homeowners want to be sure they choose the right contractor for their needs. One way to find out is by checking customer reviews. Homeowners may use a website such as Angi (formerly Angie’s List) to connect with contractors who have been reviewed by others. These reviews are vetted by Angi to ensure they are authentic and represent actual customers.
HGTV shows make it seem like home renovations are a quick way to add value to a property, but the reality is that most renovations do not provide a 100% return on investment. The best way to get the most bang for your buck is to work with companies that offer cash discounts or the ability to arrange financing yourself.