Home improvement projects come with some difficulties; the most common stemming from hiring an experienced, dependable contractor to execute the project.  Whether you are knowing out a wall to increase the size of the kitchen or something simpler like tiling the bathroom floor it is crucial the contractor will perform at the highest performance level possible. Below are several tips to help homeowners find a reliable and steadfast home improvement specialist.

Ask friends, family and co-workers for references on work previous contractors have performed:  If you know anyone that has had work done around their homes check with them to see if they would recommend the contractor that they employed.  When looking for qualified individuals to work with no one is a better reference than those within your own tight knit community of friends, family and co-workers.

Narrow the selection down to three contractors before asking them to estimate your home improvement project:  Interview contractors before getting bids or estimates from them.  Do not allow the final selection come down to the estimate or bid amount.  Find at least three contractors that offer exactly what you are looking for in a home improvement specialist.  Seek estimates from all three contractors and work to negotiate the best overall value for your project.

Review the licenses, complaints and litigation history on contractors that you are interested in working with:  Never waste time on a contractor without the proper licensing, bonding and insurance.  Homeowners insurance does not cover many problems that can arise when hiring work to be done around the home. With the proper licenses, bonds and insurance in place a contractor is showing that they are serious in protecting project owners, their business and subcontractors from any and all losses that should arise.

Have an idea of what you want before seeking out estimates from contractors:  It is important to be able to express exactly what you want in order to get to the end result you desire.  Contractors cannot read minds.  It is crucial to have a plan with definite ideas on what you are looking for.  Do not speak to a contractor until you have a set plan.  Once an idea is in place and you have a sense of what you want start seeking estimates from contractors.  This is the only way that you will get a reliable estimate on labor and materials for your project from the contractors you are seeking to work with.

In our next blog installment we will continue providing tips to aid homeowners in the search to find a contractor to employee that will perform home improvement projects within your home.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.