What comes to mind when you hear the word space? Do you think about your home or what it lacks? If you love your current home but it doesn’t contain enough room for every aspect of your life, what are you to do? The ultimate solution to a home in need of more space is a quality built home addition. But realizing you need a home addition is just the beginning.
While the addition process can seem overwhelming, there is a simple solution to the chaos. A seasoned home addition contractor can help alleviate any frustration and worry. But the Pittsburgh area is filled with an overabundance of contractors. How then can you be certain to find the right one? Here are five tips to help in your search.
1. Do your research.
Never hire a contractor without first setting aside the time for proper research. Being an informed homeowner means fewer surprises when it comes to the building process. Here are some important items to look into when considering a contractor.
- Licensing – Ensure that any contractor you are hiring has the proper licensing for your state.
- Insurance – All contractors should have insurance. Accidents happen to everyone, so finding a contractor with insurance that protects their workers and your home’s wellbeing is essential.
- Expertise – Figure out the specialization of every contractor you look into. You don’t want to hire a contractor who specializes in roofing to build your addition, even if additions are a service they provide. Find a specialized home addition contractor.
- Subcontractors – Figure out if the contractor you are looking into utilizes subcontractors or if they complete the process themselves. If subcontractors are used, this may require more research into the licensing, insurance and performance of subcontractors.
2. Gather reviews and references.
Previous clients are your best friend when it comes to choosing a home contractor. Home addition contractors can construct numerous additions, but that doesn’t mean they do them well. Finding out what other clients have to say will provide you with some of the most valuable information you can find.
Not only will previous clients be able to provide information on the quality of workmanship, but they can also provide valuable information on whether the contractor completed projects in a timely manner and if the contractor was easy to work with.
3. Ask the right questions.
Hiring any contractor to work on your home is like inviting someone into your personal life. You want any additional construction to flow seemly with your home and have peace-of-mind through the process. Ask the following questions.
- How long have you been in business?
- How many projects like mine have you completed?
- How does your company handle warranty complaints?
- Are you properly insured? Does your insurance cover property damage and personal liability?
- How many projects do you have lined up before mine?
- How long before you can start on my project?
4. Meet face to face.
Hiring the right contractor cannot take place strictly online. Written information, while valuable, can never tell you everything you need to know about a contractor. Meeting face to face with any potential contractors provides you with information you cannot find online. Not only do you want to look for a contractor who does good work and is honest, you want to work with someone who communicates well and has a temperament that is easy to get along with.
5. Take Your Time.
While all of the above steps are important, taking your time may be one of the most vital tips anytime you hire a company to work on your home. The contractor you choose is the most important step in the construction of your new home addition, so take your time. No rush is worth a poorly constructed addition. If you are making the decision to invest both your time and money into adding onto your home, ensure that you have set aside not only enough time for the project but also enough time to find the right builder.
Connect with a Top-Tier Contractor Today!
When you are looking for an immaculate home addition that flows seamlessly into your current home, you need a home addition contractor with credentials and experience who is easy to work with.
At Action Builders, we believe our client’s voice is the most important, and we are excited to see your new addition come to life. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today!