Looking for the Best Remodeler in Seattle
If you’re planning to remodel your Seattle-area home, choosing the right contractor is one of your biggest challenges. It’s particularly important right now. In tough economic times, people look for work anywhere they can find it. Sadly, some people simply pick up a hammer and pass themselves off as home remodelers—willing to work at lower prices. The problem is that you generally get what you pay for.
If you’re looking for the best remodeler in Seattle, where do you start? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Look for Experience: When you meet with a potential contractor ask him to tell you about similar projects he’s worked on. You really don’t want him getting his experience on your project. And just because he’s done a basement renovation or two, doesn’t mean he’s skilled or equipped to tackle your kitchen renovation.
Look for References: Any remodeling contractor worth his circular saw will offer you a written list of references. If a potential contractor won’t give you references, you shouldn’t give him your business. And if he does give you references—give a few of them a call. Most people are more than happy to endorse someone who did a good job for them.
Look for Attention to Detail: When you interview a potential contractor (and you should interview at least two or three) take note if he is attentive to your questions. Not everyone writes everything down—but it’s usually a good sign. Does he ask you clarifying questions? Do you get a sense that he’s paying attention to the “little things” that will make this project turn out right? Or is he already completing the project in his mind—the way he thinks it should look?
Look for Suggestions: A good builder/remodeler will be sensitive to what you want and need. And he’ll listen to your ideas. But if he’s been around the block a time or two, he’ll probably have some ideas that you haven’t thought about. He won’t force them on you, but he may give you some suggestions that can make the renovation turn out even better—and maybe even save you some money.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for right away . . . keep looking!
What’s important to you when looking for a professional remodeler?
