Choose the Right Licensed Contractor for Your Home Addition
Your home is one of the most important places for your family—that’s why it can be difficult to leave it all behind when your family’s growing needs demand a change: 61% of homeowners who have lived in their houses for at least 6 years opt for renovations and home additions over moving.
If you need more space but aren’t ready to say goodbye to your home, an addition might be a good choice. Choosing the right people for the job ensures a quality and low-stress renovation. This guide will help you find just the right contractor for your home addition project.
Determine Project Needs
Before you start looking for contractors, it’s important to know what you’re looking for! All home additions are different, so make sure you have a clear vision of your project—including where and what you’re adding, your available budget, your ideal timeline, and any specific requirements.
Knowing where you stand in these areas will help you communicate your ideas and find a contractor that can meet your needs.
Research Local Contractors
Now the search can begin! Take advantage of all your resources to find out everything you can about a contractor:
- Check out local directories
- Read online reviews from various platforms
- Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations
In addition, try to limit your search to contractors who have experience doing home additions similar to what you’re looking for.
Check Credentials and Qualifications
One of the first things you’ll want to look for in a remodeling company is their licensing and certification. Requirements can vary from state to state, but wherever you are, verify you’re working with builders who are licensed and certified to ensure a safe, satisfactory home addition experience.
Insurance is also an absolute must when it comes to choosing contractors, as it protects you from financial liability in the case of accidents that may occur during the project. Liability insurance covers property damage, while workers’ compensation protects you from responsibility for injuries sustained by builders on your property.
Get to Know Your Licensed Contractor
A contracting company’s culture is just as important as its qualifications. Before committing to a remodeler, hold an informal interview to see if they’re a good choice for you.
Here’s a few things you’ll want to learn about your contractor:
- Their experience with home additions
- How they plan to execute the project
- What they’ll do if they encounter hiccups along the way
Make sure you can communicate well and understand each other. Pay attention to their reactions—you need a team that listens and is responsive to your questions and concerns. If the first interaction doesn’t go well, it’s okay to keep shopping around.
Evaluate Project Management and Oversight
When you think you’ve found a good match, it’s time to learn about their project management skills. Ask about their process and how they’ll keep you updated. Establish a system for getting regular updates and progress reports from them so you can stay in the loop about your addition. This will help avoid confusion and miscommunication, resulting in a better experience.
Bring Your Home Addition Dreams to Life with Bell Cow
A good contractor is hard to find, but you’ll know you’ve found the best when you work with Bell Cow Service Company. We’re locally owned, and we care about our communities—we love helping you bring new life to your house through additions.
Our skilled contractors are licensed and insured, so you can rest easy knowing you’re getting high-quality, professional services. So don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment and talk with us about home additions—we can’t wait to see the ideas you have for adding even more value, functionality, and beauty to your home.