If you’re thinking of freshening up your home this year, the good news is that the shortages and delays of the past few years are mostly over.
However, you can still run into problems.
So the first mistake to avoid is hiring the wrong person to do the job.
We found contractor Hannah Wells, owner of REP General Contracting, putting the finishing touches on a full bathroom remodel.
She is turning what had been a dated 90's room, with a wall of mirrors, into a showcase bathroom
"This is a beautiful quartz ledge we have installed," she said, referring to the state-of-the-art quartz countertops.
She has also replaced an old-school garden tub, surrounded with tile, with "a sleek new modern deep soaking tub," she said.
But finding someone to redo your bath or kitchen can be tough, especially with labor shortages.
How to find a top-quality contractor
Wells said to find the right contractor:
1- Start by getting referrals from friends, neighbors and your neighborhood Facebook group.
"That is going to be the best and most authentic proof that there is somebody that is reputable and qualified," she said.
Once you get a few names, Wells said to check the Better Business Bureau report on each one, paying particular attention to complaints against them, and how the contractor responded.
2- Then, she said to get multiple quotes for the project in writing, never just a verbal quote.
"Get several quotes, to see what ideas each contractor has," Wells said. "It’s essentially free education."
3- Pay in stages along the way, never paying all the money upfront where they have no incentive to finish the job.
4-She said don't be afraid to ask many questions as work progresses.
5- And, look for a contractor who isn't afraid to show off their work on social media, as she does.
"I have found a lot of success being completely transparent with our projects on the internet," Wells said.
Their website and social media should show a lot of before, after and work-in-progress photos.
"It should be a firsthand representation of the quality of work that they offer," she said.
Red flags to watch for
Wells also shared some red flags to watch out for, such as a contractor who claims they're insured but can't show you the paperwork.
"Don't just take his word for it," she said. "Ask him to provide a certificate of insurance."
Another red flag: a contractor who gives a quote that seems too low.
"If it's cheap and it's fast, it isn't going to be good," Wells said.
Finally, she said to decide if you want a contractor who does the designing themselves or hires it out.
That way, you don't waste your money.
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