Working with Contractors

Finding the right contractor is critical to the success of any remodeling project. The contractor is responsible for overseeing your project from start to finish, often spending days, weeks, and even months doing so. With so much at stake, you'll want to find someone who has the skills and experience to complete your project - and a management style that fits your needs.

There are many types of contractors. Some are independent practitioners with expertise in a certain field, like carpentry, for example. They may be proficient at building kitchen cabinets and framing additions but lack other skills needed to complete your project. Others work as general contractors and manage the hiring, budgeting and scheduling of larger projects. They also supervise the workers and are responsible for overall project results.

The key to success is to find a contractor who has experience with the type of project you are pursuing.

Even though you may have talked to a wide variety of handymen and specialized contractors to get ballpark estimates of what your home improvements will cost, it is important to know that most home improvement loans or purchase-renovation loans require you to use a licensed contractor. In addition to licensing, you should look for a contractor who has a history of customer satisfaction and industry-recognized credentials to perform the type of work you are planning.