If you are preparing to have work done on your North Carolina or South Carolina house in the near future, it’s important for you to be prepared for meetings with prospective contractors. Because it is never a good idea to hire the first professional you talk to on the spot, you should be ready for multiple appointments. If you’ve never hired home services experts in the past, the idea of conducting these interviews may seem daunting. However, there are certain tips you can follow to make the entire process as simple as possible. You’ll find some key suggestions outlined below.
State your expectations clearly
Unmet expectations can cause serious issues between homeowners and contractors. To avoid this, make sure you are very clear about what you expect each time you meet with one of the experts you’re thinking about hiring. If, for example, you have highly specific goals for your project or you are on a stringent timeline, make those facts known in no uncertain terms. The more upfront you are about your expectations, the easier your working relationship with your contractor will be.
Spend time conducting research
Before you schedule your first interview, make a point of looking into the type of project you are planning to have done. Evaluate average prices in your part of North Carolina or South Carolina, usual timelines for completion, and examples of similar jobs so you can print photos to have on-hand. Prior to each individual appointment, then, spend time researching the contractor. Know how long he or she has been working in your area, whether or not he or she has any specialties, and how reasonable his or her rates seem to be. The more you know going in, the easier the conversation will flow.
Answer calls and track estimates
All of the Carolina home improvement professionals you meet with are likely to give you general estimates during your initial meetings with them. They will, however, probably call you at a later date with their full work-ups, including specific labor costs, material expenses, and other details. Don’t ignore these calls, as they are very important! Additionally, make sure you create a spreadsheet where you can track each quote and make notes about different contracting companies.
Let the professionals do their jobs
When the home services experts on your shortlist come to your house to assess the area you’re wanting to remodel, try to make yourself scarce to the best of your ability. Remember, these are reputable professionals who have a job to do. If you distract them while they are trying to take notes about your job, they may not be able to be as thorough as they want to be. If, of course, you are asked to accompany a contractor throughout his or her assessment, you should.
At Hatch Homes, our team offers no-obligation consultations about a number of exterior remodeling projects. Whether you are thinking about having a new roof installed, new siding hung, or all of your windows replaced, we are here to provide you with high-quality services. Simply contact our office to schedule a time for your preliminary appointment.