Your home is your most important investment. Choosing the right home renovation contractor is essential. As one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner, you need to know what to look for.

From questions to ask and services to consider, these are the top tips for finding a reliable home renovation contractor.

Get Local Recommendations

Contractors will go all out to sell their work to you. Some will be honest, while others will be liberal with the facts. Don’t just rely on a home renovation contractor that claims to be the best. Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. If you know someone who has had renovation work recently, ask about their experience and the name of the contractor.

Word of mouth testimonials and recommendations can go a long way. You can trust the claims of a contractor that has support from within the community.

Get Examples of Previous Work

Ask for a portfolio when you’ve found a contractor you think would be perfect for your renovation. A portfolio could include photographs or even video tours of previous work. Some contractors could even have valuable clients who are willing to talk to you.

The best contractors won’t be afraid to show you their previous renovation work. In fact, they should be more than willing to showcase their skills and finishing quality.

Ask the Right Questions of a Home Renovation Contractor

Not everyone is an expert in home remodeling. A contractor should be willing to walk you through the process and any plans they’ve made to meet your specifications.

Key questions to ask a potential contractor:

• Are they fully insured? Request a copy of their insurance policy. This protects you from loss and liability.
• Do they have details of their qualifications, licenses, and experience?
• Were there any complaints or litigations filed against them in the past? You can verify this with local authorities or through sites like the Better Business Bureau.
• Do they use subcontractors to complete any work? You should know exactly who will be working on your renovation project.
• Can they commit to a rough time frame? Setbacks can occur, but a contractor should be able to give you a basic outline of the remodeling plan.
• Can they help take care of any necessary building permits?

Work Out the Payment Details

Always get a contract in writing before the work begins. If you’ve found more than one suitable home renovation contractor, get written bids to find one that works for you. Beware of contractors that lowball on their price. This could indicate that they are willing to cut corners or inflate the cost while the project is underway. Ask for a payment schedule and make sure it works for you

Of course, some contractors are simply more honest and affordable than others. Highly detailed and itemized bids can give you confidence, regardless of the price.

Get Your Home Renovation Contract in Writing

Get everything in writing before the work starts. The best home renovation contractor will be willing to do this for their own protection. This also protects you. A written bid can be used as a guideline for the project, and it can also be used if any disputes arise during the renovation.

Talk to Trusted Home Renovation Contractors in Iowa

Don’t take any chances when it comes to your home. Get renovation and remodeling services that bring beauty, practicality, and lasting value.

At HomeWorx Iowa, we strive to exceed your expectations. It’s our passion to design and remodel homes that you’ll love to live in. Talk to trusted local experts for remodeling, a touch-up renovation, or a complete home makeover.