How to Select a Residential Contractor

If you are looking to remodel or build a home, you will likely need a contractor to complete the job. However, knowing where to start can be difficult. You need to find someone qualified while ensuring that they are charging a fair price. 

What do Residential Contractors Build? 

Residential contractors take on a variety of projects from home building to home remodeling. These contractors might build a development of tract homes that have about three-floor plans and are generally cheaper per square foot or custom homes that give the buyer more input over the design. Custom homes are more expensive and tend to take longer to build. 

Contractors can also do remodels. Every room in your house is up for grabs, from the kitchen to the bath to knocking out a wall to open up the space. Whether you are looking to build a home or remodel your current space, you need to be sure that you are doing everything you can to find a contractor that will serve you at a fair price. 

Choosing the Right Contractor 

First off, what branch of residential contractor do you require? Here are the most common types. 

• Track home builder

• Custom home builder

• Home remodeler

• Bath and kitchen remodeler

The best way to start your search for a contractor to build or remodel your home is by asking family and friends for recommendations. By speaking with people that you trust, you can find first-hand accounts of contractors that have completed jobs with satisfactory time and quality. 

Once you’ve gathered a list of potential contractors, it’s time to start making some phone calls. When you reach a contractor, make sure to ask some of these important questions: 

• Have they completed similar renovation tasks in the past?

• Do they source their materials from well-known suppliers? 

• Can they give you a client list with phone numbers as a reference? 

If the answers to any of these questions seem fishy, it’s best to strike their name off the list immediately. By finding a contractor that is transparent and specializes in your needs, you can save a lot of headache down the road. 

Once you’ve narrowed your list, then you can go ahead and schedule appointments to meet with each potential contractor. Make sure to request that they bring a portfolio along with them so you can get a sense of the result of their prior jobs. 

A Conversational Approach 

Be prepared with a list of your needs by the time the contractor shows up at your home. This will allow them to give recommendations and potential solutions to the problems you face. 

When meeting with a contractor, you should always feel attended to. You want your needs to be heard, and in turn, you should listen closely to the contractor’s suggestions. By cultivating this give-and-take relationship, you can be clear on goals before you set out on construction. 

If you’re looking for some more guidance on choosing a residential contractor, feel free to reach out to us here at Carlton Building Services. We’ve been serving clients across Virginia, and we’d be happy to discuss if we might be a good fit for your project, or recommend someone more apt to meet your unique needs! 

Good luck with your journey to hiring a great contractor!