Luxury Housing Trends & Home Improvement Ideas

So, you’ve decided to do some home improvements. If you’re too busy to take on projects yourself (or just prefer the work of a professional to a do-it-yourself job), then you’re probably thinking of hiring a contractor. Depending on their specialty, contractors can handle any project from building you a new swimming pool to remodeling your kitchen to installing a new driveway. The trick is to find someone who will do a good job in a timely manner while keeping costs down–in short, someone who will make you happy.

You’ve probably heard horror stories (and maybe experienced some yourself) about contractors who didn’t do a good job and left the homeowners displeased with the whole project. How do you avoid this? How do you find the mythical “good contractor”?

Here’s a list of some tips that can help you:

1. Ask around and get recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors who have had work done.
2. If you don’t know anyone who has had the kind of home improvements done that you want, consider looking on the Internet. Sites like All Around the Home list contractors by specialty and location. Sometimes there are even reviews listed to help you find good contractors.
3. No matter where you find your potential contractor, it’s a good idea to get bids from two or three different people (don’t necessarily go with the lowest–go with the person you feel most comfortable with after spending some time with them).
4. Make sure the contractor you are considering has a permanent business location and doesn’t have any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.
5. Make sure the company has insurance that verifies current workers’ compensation, general liability insurance, property damage, and personal liability (in case of accidents).
6. Make sure you get a written contract, written change orders, and a building permit.
7. Lastly, make sure you select someone you are comfortable with. This is the person who is going to be responsible to major changes to your home that will cost you tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of dollars. Pick someone you have a good gut instinct about!

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