Does your Brooklyn Prospect Heights home need some work done? Whether you need a re-roofing job, waterproofing, landscaping, or a remodel, you need to start searching for a local residential general contractor. But how can you make the best decision on such an important investment? Here are five tips to help you choose the right person for the job.
1. Figure Out What You Want Before You Start Searching.
You should have a clear idea of what you want your contractor to do before you begin looking for contractors. A vague idea isn’t good enough because a manipulative contractor could end up convincing you to add to or shift the focus of your project. A good contractor will make your vision a reality and exceed your expectations, but you need to know what you want before they can get started. If you have a clear idea of what you want before you start searching, you will also be able to gather the most accurate estimates possible.
2. Don’t Make Assumptions about a Contractor’s Abilities.
When you’re hiring a general contractor, you may be tempted to believe that they are a jack-of-all-trades who’s capable of meeting all your residential needs. But that’s simply not the truth. For example, a contractor who’s able to waterproof your basement is not necessarily able to landscape your yard. Make sure that the residential general contractor you choose is actually qualified for the job you’re asking them to do.
3. Meet Them in Person.
An in-person meeting may sound like too much of a commitment when you could simply send an email and/or make a phone call. But a face-to-face meeting is key to choosing the right contractor. Don’t get just one quote and settle. Have a few different contractors to look at your project and give you an estimate. Ask them questions and make sure they are answering them in such a way that is knowledgeable and helpful.
4. Beware of Extra Low Prices.
If it sounds too good to be true, in the world of residential general contractors, it probably is. Don’t just jump at the lowest estimate you see. Extremely low prices should be a major red flag for you. Such a contractor is probably cutting corners and will execute unsatisfactory work. If you choose to hire one of these contractors, you’ll end up regretting it. They’ll do unsatisfactory, low-quality work and you’ll end up having to pay for a second contractor to fix their mistakes. Don’t be cheap when choosing a contractor, and you’ll actually end up saving money.
5. Find Out About the Contractor’s Schedule.
If you’re on a tight schedule, you should know your general contractor’s schedule. Ask them about what projects they are working on at the same time as yours. These could potentially cut into your contractor’s time and delay the completion of your project. It’s also a good idea to talk to your contractor about potential clients that are asking for estimates from them right now. If they end up hiring your contractor, that could also alter your contractor’s timeline.
If you’re looking for a general residential contractor in Brooklyn Prospect Heights or the nearby areas, look to Citypro Contracting. Get a quote from us today! We’d love to work with you on your home improvement project.
Residential General Contractor, Brooklyn Prospect heights
