Kitchen and bathroom remodeling can be a frustrating process if you’re not working with the right professionals – and the right materials. As a tile store in Anaheim, we’ve heard from a number of our clients who have had poor experiences with the professionals they hired to carry out their job, so we’ve put together our list of tips for selecting the right contractor!
Referrals
Word of mouth is generally the best way to find a contractor that you can trust with your remodeling project. If you don’t have any friends, family, or coworkers that can help you out with a referral, you can certainly reach out to your tile vendor for a recommendation on a contractor they’ve worked with in the past.
Meetings and Interviews
We advise our customers to conduct phone interviews with their prospective contractor before they schedule a face-to-face interview. There are a few questions you’ll want answered before you make the time commitment of inviting a professional into your home. For instance:
- Do you take projects of this size/budget?
- Are you licenses and insured?
- Can you provide references?
- What subcontractors do you work with?
Pay Attention to Price
It can be tempting to jump at the lowest price – but we always recommend that you proceed with caution. A substantially lower price than competitors can potentially mean trouble for your project. It’s possible that this contractor is cutting corners, desperate to get a gig, or intentionally underbidding so that they can jack up the price due to “unforeseen costs” in the middle of the project.
Research
Once you’ve received a referral, or found a contractor you would like to vet, the next step is to research their business online. Websites like Yelp, Angie’s List, Houzz and Home Advisor are a few of the most trusted review sites in the business. The information you find on these sites will be invaluable in your search for a reputable contractor in Orange County.
Now you have to imagine yourself as a judge in a beauty contest. At this point, it would be wise to narrow down your choices to three possible candidates for your bathroom or kitchen remodel mission.
Deals on Materials
Different contractors will have different relationships with tile stores in Anaheim. Depending on the volume of business the contractor is working with, this can lead to significant discounts on materials like marble, granite and quartz. If your project will include new kitchen countertops or bathroom flooring, you’ll want to make sure that your contractor can get you a good deal on the material.
Get It In Writing
We saved the most important tip for last. It’s crucial that you detail every aspect of your remodeling project in writing. We know that this process might be slightly uncomfortable for some homeowners, but it is absolutely necessary. We recommend having the following action items in your contract:
- Start date and estimated completion date
- Materials to be used
- Proof of insurance
A well written contract will ensure your peace of mind, and will make the entire remodeling process much smoother.
