Licensed General Contractor: How to Find the Right Licensed Contractor for Your Remodeling Project
If you're looking forward to remodeling your home, it's essential to find a licensed general contractor to professionally and securely handle your project. Typically, working with an unlicensed contractor is a risky business – he/she may break the contract, do shoddy work, or even have a criminal background.
Besides that, the contractor may not cover any liability in the course of the remodeling project. In case of such instances, your project may stall.
What's more, your insurance will not cater to any damage or injury if an unlicensed contractor handled the job. Since we understand how vital your remodeling project is, we've compiled the essential steps to help you stay away from contractual liabilities.
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- Verify the Contractor's License
The first step to verifying a contractor's validity is to check if they have an active license. Find out if they have construction or safety citations, and see if they have any lawsuits against their company.
You can also review the contractor's business name to see if it matches the information provided (contracts, website, and marketing material like business cards).
It's worth noting that many licensed contractors like Smart Remodeling are honest, financially responsible, hardworking, and competent. They are also transparent and will never give you contradicting information that can compromise your trust or your reputation.
Pro Tip Takeaway: Almost all licensed general contractors have active licenses and are straightforward in their communication.
- Check How Long the Contractor has Been in Business
Funding a complete home remodeling project isn't a walk in the park; it is a significant investment that requires a high level of commitment. So, you want to find a remodeling contractor who is well-versed with the business to have understood the scratches that startups often struggle with.
They will know how to navigate the process smoothly and manage arising situations professionally and quickly. If you're planning to revamp your home and desperately searching for a "general contractor near me," trust the experts from Smart Remodeling to work on your project.
Our team is dependable, trustworthy, committed to truthfulness, and abides by ethical business standards. We have been in business for 10+ years and know how to bring your dream to life through a stress-free, positive, and most enjoyable remodeling project possible.
Pro Tip Takeaway: Make sure you hire a contractor with vast experience in local home remodeling.
- Verify the Contractor's Telephone Number and Business Location
Having valid and operational contact and business location is one of the qualities of a good contractor. So, ask yourself if you're able to reach your contractor through phone, email, or text?
Any reputable licensed general contractor must have a working telephone number or email and the most recent business address. If a contractor lacks either of these details, you should consider that as a red flag.
In such cases, it will be difficult for you to trace this contractor if the job needs to be repaired after making full payments.
Pro Tip Takeaway: While you search for the right contractor, don't forget to verify their telephone number and business location to ensure they are accessible any time you need them.
- Check if there is a Warranty for Their Services
Competent contractors believe in their services and will be willing to offer a long-term warranty for all their services. However, remember to check what the warranty covers before the project kicks off.
This will help you know how to deal with unexpected situations if they are not included in the warranty. Be sure to ask for your copies of warranties to ensure they are accessible whenever you need them.
At Smart Remodeling, we provide an exclusive 5year+ warranty to all the projects we handle to completion to ensure you get expert, durable, and safest remodeling services possible.
Pro Tip Takeaway: Hire a remodeling contractor that provides a warranty for their materials and services to ensure you get the most out of your project.
- Be Careful with Contractors who Overpromise
Although it's important to find reasonable prices for your project, be wary of contractors who overpromise.
If a contractor offers you unrealistic estimates of cost and time, they might be out to make profits and are less concerned with your project. Many times, such contractors can cut corners or even rush your project, sacrificing quality and safety.
Worse, you may be shocked to find hidden costs that will significantly impact the overall project cost. So the bottom line is, don't assume that contractors giving you insanely lower estimates are remodeling wizards.
Pro Tip Takeaway: Avoid contractors who give you exaggerated estimates. If the quote sounds too good to be true, trust your instincts.
- Find Out if They Have Experience Dealing with Permits and Inspections
Depending on the scope of your project, some home remodeling plans can change your home's structure.
An experienced, licensed general contractor should be aware of the relevant inspections and permits you will need. They should also handle the details because they are experts and can manage the situation better.
Pro Tip Takeaway: The right contractor should have enough experience to handle all your permits and inspection requirements.
Start Your Project Today!
Want to get started with a reputable full-service general contractor? As one of the top home renovation firms in Houston, Texas, our Smart Remodeling LLC team is here to help you achieve your remodeling goals. It’s destined to increase your home’s value and enhance your quality of life
Contact us today to schedule your Complimentary Consultation today or visit our showroom at 12711 Fuqua St, Suite 106 Houston, TX 77034, to discuss the possibilities of home remodeling today! We will make every effort to accommodate your schedule when scheduling your consultation, and let's get working!