Reputation, Experience, and Service. With this information, you will be equipped with all of the knowledge you need before inviting a contractor to renovate your largest asset -- your home.
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So you’ve decided that the best decision is to renovate your home so it will meet your needs. Now you need to figure out who is going to do the work for you. Hiring the right home remodeling contractor can make the difference between a successful project and a disaster. While it can take time to find a contractor who is the right fit for you, it doesn’t have to be a challenge. Our guide will walk you through the steps of finding a reputable contractor, so when it is time to start your project, you feel confident and excited about the changes to come. Let’s get started!
Before the first nail is ever hammered, you should solidify what you’re looking for in your remodel. Make your dream list: a play room, walk-in pantry, curbless shower and separate tub, heated floors, covered porch. When you are in the early meeting stages, it will be important to share your idea boards, material swatches, and appliance needs. These elements can greatly inspire and affect how the new space is designed. Also, be prepared to have a budget discussion. A reputable remodeling contractor should design and build to your budget, and be clear about the options that will fit within, or exceed, the overall financial plan. This guide will help you stay focused on three areas when qualifying a remodeling contractor:
1. BUSINESS HISTORY & CLIENT REVIEWS
2. BUSINESS PRACTICES & THE TEAM
3. SERVICE EXPECTATIONS BEFORE, DURING & AFTER YOUR PROJECT
We will help you with questions to ask and steps to take along the way to make sure your renovation project runs smoothly and without surprises.
It goes without saying that you want to entrust your renovation to a contractor who has made many homeowners happy, over many years. This is a large investment, and you want to work with a company that you can entrust with your home and belongings. A credible remodeling contractor will be upfront with their past experience, which can be checked with the Better Business Bureau and your state’s Consumer Protection Board. The contractor will also be happy to show client reviews and project photographs on their website and social media accounts. Tilghman Builders prides ourselves on the ability to not only provide endless examples from clients old and new, but also on our keen eye to the details, commonly overlooked by other contractors
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• Investigate their state registrations and commercial records
• Look for industry affiliations, awards, and certifications
• Go through references and testimonials
•Review their portfolio of completed projects
• Check their social media profiles and mentions for notes on customer service and experience Tilghman Builders is proud to be associated with:
You will be working very closely with your contractor, so it is important to understand the team that will be making your remodel happen. Who will the project manager be, and how many craftsman can you expect to work on your project on a daily basis? Will there be subcontractors, and how are they vetted?
Also, when the contractor provides an estimate they should also include a timeline for the project and a communication plan. How often will you meet with them during the build? How are change orders handled? What is the payment plan? How is the project wrapped up at completion?
Timeline for a remodel can vary depending on the contractor. Beware of those promising to do it in a very short time-span! A reputable contractor knows that quality work takes time and builds in a cushion to the timeline to allow for any surprises. When working with a reputable contractor, they will handle the necessary steps for codes and permits, and this should be accounted for in the timeline and scope of work.
Your remodeler should make the project easy and hassle-free, eliminate surprises and keep the project on a schedule and on your budget, while delivering superior workmanship and quality.
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After choosing your contractor you should continue to check their performance and workmanship. Proactive engagement in the process will help you understand the work being performed. If you identify any issues or areas of concern while work is being done it is important to voice them immediately. Here we go over what to look for to adequately monitor service. What should you expect from your contractor’s customer service? If your agreement is unclear or if you’re concerned about the project, use this project breakdown:
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For more than 35 years, we have helped homeowners in Montgomery County and Bucks County, Pennsylvania realize their dreams. We listen to your vision and create living areas that are built to reflect your lifestyle and personality. Our clients are delighted with our work, recommending our services to their family and friends. Our workmanship is of the highest quality. Our highly trained and experienced craftsmen, who provide a "white glove treatment" to our clients, are certified by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). We value our word and our commitments to your home. We communicate closely with you throughout our structured Design-Build process and deliver projects on time and on budget.
Not all contractors are created equal. Unfortunately, it has become the norm to cut prices along with the quality of workmanship. Prior research, planning, and monitoring will give you peace of mind knowing you chose the right contractor. We at Tilghman Builders continually set a high standard for the industry through the relationships we build with our clients, while we’re building their dream home. We hope that you will use these tips and questions to choose the best possible remodeling contractor for your project. You can start the process with our complimentary consultation:
