A recent survey found that more than half (52%) of American homeowners have a renovation project planned this year.1 If you’re among them, you know that embarking on home improvements can be both exciting and daunting. According to the survey, the median renovation budget is around $15,000, so you’re probably investing a significant amount—and you’ll want to ensure your project’s success.1
One of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right contractor to bring your vision to life. However, many homeowners fall into common pitfalls during this process, leading to stress, financial strain, and subpar results.
In this guide, we’ll explore seven mistakes to avoid when hiring a contractor to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.
1. SKIPPING THE RESEARCH PHASE
A common mistake homeowners make is rushing into hiring a contractor without proper research. But to ensure the success of your renovation, it’s crucial to take time to meet with multiple candidates and educate yourself on best practices surrounding your project.
If you bypass the interview process, you miss the opportunity to evaluate different approaches, pricing, and expertise. This can result in overpaying or hiring someone whose skills and vision do not align with your needs.
Neglecting to research the processes and steps involved can also leave you vulnerable. Not only does it make it more difficult to ask the right questions, but you also risk hiring unqualified professionals or settling for subpar work.
What To Do Instead:
- Educate Yourself — Read up or watch YouTube videos to gain a better understanding of best practices surrounding your project.
- Interview Multiple Contractors — Search for and interview at least three contractors who specialize in the type of work you need.
- Ask Specific Questions — Inquire about the processes and materials each candidate will utilize.
- Seek Recommendations — Get referrals from trusted sources like friends, neighbors, and real estate professionals. We’d be happy to share a list of referrals!
2. CHOOSING BASED SOLELY ON PRICE
Once you’ve interviewed candidates and reviewed their proposals, it’s time to choose your favorite. But don’t make the mistake of rushing to the lowest bid.
While it’s natural to want to save money, selecting a contractor based entirely on price can be a costly mistake. Extremely low bids may indicate cut corners, subpar materials, or hidden costs that will surface later.
According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, when evaluating bids, make sure you’re comparing “apples” to “apples” and considering factors like quality, timeline, and scope.2 Are they fully licensed and insured? How long have they been in business? Do they warranty their work?
What To Do Instead:
- Consider Overall Value — In addition to price, look at experience, reputation, and quality of work.
- Ask for Detailed Breakdowns — Understand what’s included and what’s not in each bid.
- Be Wary of Low Bids – Bids that are significantly lower than others may be too good to be true.
- Invest in Quality — Remember that quality work comes at a fair price, and investing in a reputable contractor can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes or repairs.