How to Find the Right Contractor for Your Next Remodel

TV design shows make remodeling look quick, easy and stress free. Homeowners who try a renovation on their own often get a rude awakening.

Many homeowners can handle a small paint job, hang shelves or swap a light fixture. A true remodel is best left to professionals, but their skill levels vary widely. Here is how to find the right contractor for your project.

1. Define What Your Project Involves

Start by asking what your project will require. Do you need a single trade, like a roofer or plumber, or several trades working together?

For a single trade, ask friends and family you trust for recommendations. If that does not turn up a good option, check company websites, reviews and social media to get a feel for their work.

2. Know the Types of Contractors

If your project involves several trades, you need a contractor who can manage them. There are three common types:

• Handyman: handles smaller jobs like fixing a leak, repairs or minor room updates, usually doing the work personally.
• General contractor: licensed to take on larger projects, often working alongside a small crew.
• Design-build contractor: a team that manages every part of your remodel, from design plans and construction documents to completion. It may cost more than a basic general contractor, but it requires the least effort from you and is best for larger projects or those where design matters. Learn about our design-build process.

3. Confirm Licensing and Insurance

Ask every contractor you consider whether they are licensed and insured. If the answer is no, end the conversation. Everyone working in your home should be insured, and all work should meet code and pass inspection. Otherwise, you may be responsible for future problems, and it can cause major issues when you sell.

4. Make Sure You Get Along

This tip is often underrated. A major remodel can mean working with your contractor for many months. Is this someone you trust and can communicate with for that long? Parting ways mid-project can leave you with unfinished work and a scramble to find someone new. Even for small jobs, work with someone you like and trust.

5. Insist on Planning and Communication

Planning and communication are key. Choose a contractor who makes a clear plan up front and keeps you informed. Without both, a project rarely turns out the way you envisioned.

Trust Your Gut

Listen to people you trust and to your instincts. Hire a contractor who fits your project and is organized, responsible and easy to work with. Need help paying for your project? Read how to finance a home remodel.

Work With Northeast Georgia's Design-Build Team

Looking for a quality partner for your next remodel? Call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.

A version of this article originally appeared in the May 2021 edition of Lakeside News.