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WHAT TO ASK A CONTRACTOR BEFORE HIRING FOR YOUR HOME REMODEL

You’ve been dreaming, maybe for years, about the changes and improvements you’ve been
wanting to make to your home. You’ve scrimped and saved up the money to do it and are now
ready to start. The first step is finding the right contractor for the job, which can be daunting,
especially if this is the first major renovation you have ever done. Let’s go over a few things to
look for and questions to ask your potential contractor.
Do your research: One good place to start would be to ask trusted friends for a referral. They
might have someone who did a great job for them on a project. This is one of the best ways
contractors and other tradesmen get future jobs, to be sure.
Reach out online to social media platforms, like Instagram, Facebook, Next Door and other
neighborhood forums to ask for recommendations. Do your own Google search and look for
the following:
• Does this contractor do the type of work you want done?
• How does their website look? Can you look at plenty of their completed projects to get a
sense of the quality of their work?
• Do they have lots of positive online reviews?
• How have they handled any negative reviews?
• Can they provide recent referrals?
Once you have selected a contractor: Ask them how much experience they have with this
particular type of remodel. Can they easily and simply explain to you how they will execute the
entire project, from start to finish? Will they handle all aspects of the remodel, from designs to
helping you pick out the fixtures to obtaining the necessary permits, and so on? Are they
licensed and insured?
Find out who their team is: Are their tradesmen and workers in house, or do they use
subcontractors? If they use subcontractors, do they have a trusted and reliable relationship
with these people?
Ask about their work routine: Depending on the size and scope of your project, you could have
these people in your home for quite a long time. You’ll want to know what time they start in
the morning and when they end off. Do they work on the weekends? Will they reasonably
clean up the work site at the end of each day?
Ask about the timeline for your project: You should ask if they have a lot of other projects
going on at the same time…what is their availability for your project, and when could you
expect it to be done?

Find out if they expect any challenges to come up mid-project: The answer to this question
could tell you a lot about the contractor…how much they know – or don’t know – about the
time period of when your home was built, what problems are somewhat typical for this type of
remodel, and they should be able to relay a sense of confidence in their ability to get the job
done.
Budget: This is a big one. Have a very frank discussion with the contractor about what costs
are fixed, and have them tell you what you should expect and have set aside for unforeseen
conditions. Ask them how you will pay…upfront? Smaller amounts over time? What happens
if you are late with a payment and need a little more time?
Find out how they will communicate: Throughout the project, ask if you will be dealing directly
with the general contractor, or does he have other people that help with concerns and
questions? How is most correspondence done…phone calls? Emails? Texting? You will want
to be sure that you are comfortable with how this person will be maintaining communication
with you.

Doing a major remodeling project in your home is, without a doubt, a stressful and challenging
time. With some careful planning, it can get done on budget and on time, with few surprises.
And at the end of it all, you will have the home you’ve been dreaming about!

Why choose RWT Design and Construction: RWT Design and Construction has been in business
since 1989 and has years of experience in all types of quality design and building projects,
ranging from simple to extremely complex construction work, serving many satisfied customers
throughout Southern California.

Whether you need a kitchen or bathroom remodel, a home addition, a guest house, custom
cabinetry, a recording studio, a new staircase or any of the other services we offer, you can
trust RWT Design and Construction. We will provide you with quality designs, professional
workmanship and impeccable, reliable service.
Contact RWT Design and Construction at 818-841-8600 to find out how we can help you build
your dream!