You know that your current home isn’t working for you, but how do you fix it? If you haven’t renovated or built a new home before, you might not know how an idea becomes a finished project.
If this sounds like you, you will probably want to work with a design-build team to help you:
- Develop a renovation plan that fits your budget (check out the tax rules regarding renovations)
- Meets local building codes
- Reflects your style
- Fits your family’s lifestyle
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Whether you’re looking to completely transform your whole home, glam up your bathroom, or do a kitchen remodel, working with the right team is essential to realizing your dream home improvement—without incurring unnecessary headaches. Wondering how to find a renovation contractor?
Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to find a contractor for home renovations:
Step 1: Define your goals
Before searching for a contractor, clearly state your renovation goals and find the right company for your desired results. Consider the rooms you want to remodel, the style and trends you have in mind, the extent of renovations, any specific technology you wish to incorporate, and your budget. If you don’t know how to translate your goals into specific features or products, hire a design-build firm that can offer a full service, from planning to design and construction.
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Step 2: Conduct research and seek recommendations
Once you know what you need, it’s time to start your research into hiring a contractor.
The key question is: who will help you build your vision?
We highly recommend that you go pro when choosing a contractor: Houzz survey respondents who remodeled in 2015 said the most valuable contributions of general contractors and design-build firms were delivering a quality result, finding the right products and materials, staying on budget, and managing the project. The added benefit of a design-build firm like John Merrill Homes is that we offer both design and building services in-house, which streamlines the entire renovation process.
How to find a contractor for house renovations:
- Use online directories
- Conduct a Google search of contractors in your area
- Ask friends and neighbors for referrals
- Check out online review sites (e.g. Google, Houzz)
- Use your connections on social media for local referrals
- Ask if your builder is an NAHB member
Step 3: Compare offers carefully
When choosing which professionals to use, remember that the lowest bid may not always be the best option. Always consider both cost and quality of work before making a decision. You also need to carefully evaluate if you are comparing apples with apples—what is the actual value you are getting for the price you have been quoted?
Step 4: Check credentials and work history
Before finalizing any contract, do your homework on potential contractors:
- Ensure they have a current state contractor license and adequate liability insurance coverage
- Ask for references
- View their previous work
- Determine whether any formal complaints or legal actions have occurred in the past
- Pay attention to their professionalism, communication, and punctuality
- Ascertain that they’re familiar with weatherization for Florida’s climate
Step 5: Meet the contractors in person
Once you have narrowed down your options, schedule face-to-face meetings with your shortlist of remodeling professionals. Use this opportunity to discuss your project in detail and ask questions related to your specific needs. Pay attention to the company’s expertise, team members, past work, and overall communication style. Your contractors will be with you throughout the project, so it’s important to feel comfortable and connected with them.
Step 6: Check references and visit finished projects
Call on the contractor’s references to verify their work quality and ask about the overall experience. Ask to visit a completed project or view their work online to assess their craftsmanship and attention to detail. Take note of the overall feel and specific details of the finished project.
The three main things to look for:
- Some similarities to your project
- Quality materials and workmanship
- Consistent client satisfaction
Renovate your Jacksonville home with John Merrill Homes
You deserve a dream home to be proud of. Finding the right professionals for your renovation project is a vital step to getting you there. At John Merrill Homes, we go the extra mile to ensure that you have a pleasant experience working with us, providing expert guidance and quality workmanship to bring you across the finish line.
When you want to renovate your home in select areas of Florida’s Duval, St. Johns, and Nassau Counties, trust John Merrill Homes. Learn more about our design-build process, and visit our portfolio for inspiring photographs of some of our previous projects. Contact us to get started when you’re ready to talk about remodeling.
Happy renovating!
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