Get Recommendations

Begin with those closest to you, then leverage the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's extensive list of contacts in your area. You'll be able to look up every contractor portfolio to make an informed choice.



Do Phone Interviews

Once you’ve compiled a list of contractors, reach out to each one with a phone call and use the following questions as an essential guide:

• What relevant contractor experience do they have
• What size projects do they work on
• Can they provide detailed contractor pricing
• Can they reference previous clients
• What is their availability like

Meet Face to Face

After conducting the phone interviews, select three or four contractors to meet in person for further inspection and discussion of their estimates. When looking for a competent contractor, it is important to ensure they can provide clear and concise answers that ease your mind.

Ask the same questions again as you did on the phone interview to see if their answers line up. Meeting face-to-face will allow you to read their body language when asking questions.

Investigate Your Shortlist

With your narrowed-down list of options, now is the time to use your research. Get in touch with former customers and ask about their experience working on a project as well as seeing what the final result looked like.

It is essential to visit the contractor’s current job site to gain insight into their work. Here, you can assess whether the environment appears neat and secure. By visiting the job site yourself, you will be able to determine if this contractor is right for you.

Get Bids

An attentive contractor will not only need an entire set of blueprints, but also a clear understanding from the homeowner on their expectations and budget for the project.

To effectively analyze bids, inquire about the breakdown of materials and labor costs as well as their respective profit margins. On average, the cost for materials is 40% with the remaining budget covering operational expenses and a 15-20% allowance for net income.

Get Everything in Writing

After you've made your decision, craft a contract that outlines all aspects of the project to ensure complete clarity. Get everything in writing including:

• The payment schedule
• Proof of liability insurance
• Start date and projected completion date
• Materials and products to be used with supplier names
• A concise description of the work to be carried out
• Details of any subcontractors used

Planning Your Custom Home Addition?

When it comes to your custom home addition, the best way to ensure a successful project is to do your research and hire an experienced contractor.

If this article has helped guide you through how to choose a contractor when considering a custom home addition, be sure to check out our blog for more tips on making smart renovations or building decisions, or call us today to discuss your project.