A house extension contractor is a company or individual specialized in constructing house extensions. They can provide a full range of services, from initial planning to completion, including obtaining planning permission, designing, and doing the construction work.
House Extension Contractors typically have a team of experienced builders and tradespeople who can handle all aspects of the project. They can brief you on the finest kind of extension for your home and budget. But how to find one? Be with me as I’ll teach you in this guide!
How To Find A Suitable Contractor?
To find a suitable contractor for your house extension project, you need to follow a simple process to shortlist one. The following are the steps involved in the process.
1. Clearly Define Your project.
Start by clearly defining your project’s details. For example, if you want to build a house addition, determine the specific requirements, such as whether it’s a small room bump-out or a larger addition with bedrooms and bathrooms.
2. Research Online Contractor-Matching Services.
Online contractor-matching websites can be helpful in finding contractors. These services use algorithms to match contractors with potential projects. They provide useful details about contractors, including licence verification, background checks, client reviews, and photos.
3. Seek Recommendations from Trusted Sources.
Ask for recommendations from trusted sources, such as family, friends, and neighbours who have recently hired contractors; I found Stenco Contractors from my uncle, who they hired to complete their kitchen remodelling project last year.
Therefore, I always suggest to my readers or the person who asked me to seek recommendations from the community circle to find contractors. Their word-of-mouth referrals can be reliable and provide insights into the contractors they worked with.
4. Check Contractor Portfolios.
Look for contractors who have expertise and experience in projects similar to yours. Check their portfolios, photo galleries, and before-and-after images to understand their work quality. Contractor websites or third-party sites often feature this information.
5. Follow These Additional Steps.
Once you have gathered a list of potential contractors, you can proceed to further steps, such as reaching out to them, requesting quotes, and interviewing them to assess their suitability for your project.
Take quotes from at least three contractors and consider factors like reputation, credentials, and communication skills before making a final decision.
Who Is a Good Contractor For Your Project?
Now, you know how to find the most suitable contractors for your project and might have shortlisted a few. It’s time to pick one that is the best for your project. Check the following aspects to do this.
1. Clean Record with Licensing Boards.
A suitable contractor will have a clean record with local and state licensing boards. If there are any records, they should not be extensive or concerning, and all matters should be closed out.
2. Lawsuits and Bond Demands.
Contractors may be involved in lawsuits due to the nature of their business. However, an unusually large number of lawsuits might raise concerns.
You can check online to see if the contractor has a significant litigation history. Additionally, tremendous demands on their bond can usually be found on state and local licensing sites.
3. Attentive and Collaborative Approach.
During meetings, a good contractor will be attentive and actively listen to your goals and requirements. The interaction should be a dialogue where both sides freely exchange ideas.
It’s not necessary for the contractor to agree with everything you say since their experience brings value to the project. But they should not either disagree on everything you have in your mind.
4. Transparency About Regulatory Matters.
A good contractor will be open and honest about all regulatory aspects related to your project, such as building permits, codes, zoning, and inspections. These considerations are crucial for any substantial construction or Bathroom Renovation in Queens work.
5. Written and Signed Cost Estimates.
While a contractor may provide non-binding cost estimates verbally, a reputable contractor will always provide a written and signed firm cost estimate. This ensures clarity and avoids misunderstandings regarding project costs.
How To Manage the Contractor You Hired?
Another important thing when doing your house extension project is knowing how to effectively manage the contractor you hire. Many homeowners can find a good contractor but may lag here. I don’t want you to do this, so this is how to deal with yours.
1. Establish Clear Expectations.
Before the work begins, ensure that you and the contractor clearly understand the project’s scope. Put everything in writing to avoid misunderstandings. Discuss cleanup, protection of surrounding areas, access to your home, and any specific concerns you have.
2. Handle Change Orders.
If there are any changes or additional work required, discuss them with the contractor. Review change orders in a fair manner. Consider reviewing and paying for it if it’s a change in scope or due to something you did. If it was always part of the scope, stick to the terms defined in your agreement.
3. Be Organised and Observant.
Once the job starts, give the contractor space to work efficiently. Be friendly but avoid getting in the way. Observe the progress casually, and if you have concerns, address them with the contractor. Keep a job file with all the important documents, such as contracts, change orders, invoices, and certificates of insurance.
4. Review the Completed Work.
Before making the final payment, review the completed work in person. Ensure that the job site is cleaned as expected and the quality of work meets your satisfaction.
Don’t rush into making the final payment. If you’re happy with the work, let the contractor know and consider leaving a review to help others make informed choices.
