Some remodeling projects will be relatively inexpensive and require little labor, while others might be more costly and require a contractor. Whatever the case, I feel that it is part of my responsibility as a Brantford real estate agent to help guide sellers who are interested in remodeling before putting their home on the market. In order to ensure that my clients get the right contractor for the job, I recommend that they ask these five questions before hiring someone. After all, if the remodel is botched, then there’s no way your Brantford home’s value will go up when you decide to sell! If you ask these questions ahead of time, you will more likely find the contractor who will get the job done right.
Would you give me an itemized bid? Some contractors prefer to give one, bottom-line price for their work, leaving you in the dark about what each element of the remodel costs individually. Since the company has to figure out the cost line by line anyway, it’s no inconvenience to them to show you the details of the bid. If they’re withholding this information or reluctant to show you the itemized details, then that should be a red flag and it may be time to move on to the next option.
Is your bid an estimate or a fixed price? I can’t tell you how many Brantford homeowners have said that they took a look at the bid and assumed that it was the finalized price on their remodel. Some contractors treat their bids as estimates, which could result in a higher bill at the end of the project. If a long list of unknown factors is stopping your contractor from giving you a fixed price, then attempt to eliminate those by giving the contractor freedom to inspect your home on a more thorough level.
How long have you been in business in the area? A contractor who has been in business for ten years in your area will have a solid foundation and network of suppliers and subcontractors in the area. He will have a reputation to uphold, and as a result, your project will be priority to him. Hiring a newer contractor or someone who typically works farther away won’t necessarily hinder your remodel; however they won’t have the deep-seeded reputation, and as a result they may not care as much.
Who are your main suppliers? Think of a contractor’s suppliers as their references. After all, who knows more about the quality of work of the person you’re hiring then the people who supply them with the tools to do it? If a contractor has a few quality suppliers that he has an ongoing, working relationship with, he most likely produces great work and is an honest businessman. Contractors with little supplier connections or who don’t have a significant relationship with any one supplier should raise a red flag, as there is likely a reason for that.
Can I meet the job foreman? Contractors are not typically the workers who are at your home every day working on your remodel. That would be the job foreman. It’s important to get to know this person, since they will essentially be the ones at your home every day overseeing the project and working on it hands-on. Meeting the job foreman in person and observing a project that they are currently working on will give you an idea of whether or not this is the person you want managing the day-to-day aspects of your remodel.
If you ask these five questions of your contractor before hiring them to do the remodel on your Brantford home, then you will likely find the person who is right for the job. A flawless remodeling can result in value being added to your home, so as a Brantford real estate agent, I think that it is very important to consider hiring a contractor if needed. These questions will get you started in the process of getting your home ready to list on the Brantford real estate market!
If you have any questions about listing your home, or if you are interested in one of the beautiful homes on the Brantford real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d love to help you in any way I can. I hope to hear from you soon!
Wally Dufrat | Sales Representative
RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Inc. Brokerage
515 Park Road North | Brantford, ON N3R 7K8 Direct: (519) 752-5400 & (877) 759-5900 | Cell: (519) 761-7400 | Fax: 519-752-3400
Before You Buy or Sell Your Next Home, Visit My Websites at:
www.BrantofordHomeInfo.com or www.FreeBrantfordHomeInfo.com for FREE Information!
RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Inc. Brokerage
515 Park Road North | Brantford, ON N3R 7K8 Direct: (519) 752-5400 & (877) 759-5900 | Cell: (519) 761-7400 | Fax: 519-752-3400
Before You Buy or Sell Your Next Home, Visit My Websites at:
www.BrantofordHomeInfo.com or www.FreeBrantfordHomeInfo.com for FREE Information!
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