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How to Know When to Hire a Contractor

How To Know When
To Hire A Contractor

Home renovations are often an exciting challenge, a fulfilling adventure that reshapes your home to better fit both your needs and identity.

Home renovations are often an exciting challenge, a fulfilling adventure that reshapes your home to better fit both your needs and identity. It can be tempting to dive into the work on your own, knowing that, at the end of the day, you’ve accomplished something great with your own two hands. But you don’t want to jeopardize the final product in favor of a DYI mentality.

How To Know When
To Hire A Contractor

By Sam Casteris | July 17, 2018 | Hiring A Contractor |

Home renovations are often an exciting challenge, a fulfilling adventure that reshapes your home to better fit both your needs and identity.

Home renovations are often an exciting challenge, a fulfilling adventure that reshapes your home to better fit both your needs and identity. It can be tempting to dive into the work on your own, knowing that, at the end of the day, you’ve accomplished something great with your own two hands. But you don’t want to jeopardize the final product in favor of a DYI mentality.

While tackling renovations on your own can be incredibly satisfying, it can also be an exasperating, demanding, and undertaking – especially throughout larger projects.

Let’s face it – things happen

Someone gets sick then timelines and budgets that seemed manageable suddenly become formidable obstacles. You accidentally buy the wrong tools or use a material incorrectly. You discover that there is a previously unknown leak in the plumbing, or a problem with the electrical wiring.

For whatever reason, you get in over your head. This is why contractors are so important; they use their vast array of skills, experience, and resources to work with you, making your dream renovation a reality. 

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A general contractor is like the captain of your ship. They are able to see your project from a holistic perspective, making sound recommendations and decisions based on their years of professional experience. While you may see your project going in one direction, a contractor can look at the logistical limitations and tell you what will need to occur in order for the final product to be successful. 
And, if you aren’t sure what exactly you want out of your renovation, most general contractors like us can either assist you with the design, have a network of interior designers they regularly work with, or can provide you with some options to choose from. They will work within your budget and timeline, ensuring that your project is completed using the best and most cost-effective materials. It is in a general contractor’s best interest to have relationships with quality supply companies, subcontractors, and in our case interior designers as well – as these assets will ultimately reflect the work of the contractor. Your happiness becomes their success. 

Choosing A Qualified And Reliable Contractor

This is why you’ll want to ensure that any contractor you hire has the proper certifications before you sign any documentation. You ONLY want to work with a licensed contractor. Licensed contractors have gone through a rigorous certification process, including written exams, providing extensive experience and work histories, served as an apprentice for at least 4 years, disclose criminal history, and must demonstrate proof of insurance and capability to perform required tasks.
Don’t sell yourself short—hire a licensed contractor that not only has an excellent reputation but is also someone you will work well with. Ask questions, particularly about their past experience with projects similar to yours, and check build zoom for their documented work history and state stats. This way, when you finalize the contract and begin renovations, you will feel excited and assured your decision. 

How Big Does A Project Need To Be To Hire A Contractor? 

It’s not a matter of how big a project is,
but how many steps it takes to bring to completion.

Chances are, you’ve been considering this renovation for a while.
Most of us don’t wake up in the morning and suddenly decide to rip apart the bathroom.

You may have even started small, maybe by re-caulking the tub or changing out the light fixtures above the sink.
smaller tasks such as these can be done on your own and are usually cheaper that way (assuming your individual project really is a little task).

But, say,
1) while your caulking the tub you realize that the crack is showing significant water damage.
2) The light fixture you really want doesn’t fit the wall space.
Or 3), you may take a look at the bathroom and decide that the pastel-colored porcelain that was installed in the 60s isn’t quite your vibe anymore.

This is a perfect time to hire a general contractor (for those smaller tasks): when your project will significantly restrict your use of a room or space while the work is being done. 

1)

For more higher scale projects that always require a general contractor: let’s say you’re considering adding a room or feature that isn’t already a part of your home. For instance, you may want to build a deck, porch, or a patio to maximize your ability to enjoy the outside world without leaving your home. Maybe you want to extend your garage because your Subaru Impreza won’t fit beside your Infiniti Q50 because it’s already crammed in beside your Nissan Versa…and you just bought home your dream car, a BMW i8 (Hey, it happens; we understand – you need extra space.)

2)

If your property is on a body of water, you may want a dock for aquatic activities. Anything that requires starting from scratch (or, nearly) will most likely require a building permit, as well as a significant amount of construction know-how that isn’t readily available in DIY books, or even on the internet. A general contractor will walk you through the necessary steps as they handle the task for you, and ensure that you can enjoy your home from the inside-out. 

3)

Opening up or closing off rooms are also popular renovations that will often require a contractor. You may be considering taking down a wall for an open-concept living area or putting up a wall to add a mudroom. These renovations may seem relatively simple, but the project could be complicated by electrical, plumbing, duct work, gas lines, and structural challenges – things you really want to make sure are done properly and will hold up over time. Plus, you never know what you are going to find when knocking down a wall! General contractors will know exactly what to do for structural damage, know who to call for vermin infestations, and know how to handle other unsavory discoveries. 

If you’re thinking of performing some renovations, or a whole home remodel
Contact us for a free quote on your home renovation today and get to know our qualified team of general contractors, renovators, and remodeling professionals.

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The post How to Know When to Hire a Contractor appeared first on Mega Builders Inc.



This post first appeared on Los Angeles Luxury Home Improvements, please read the originial post: here

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