11 Tips to Find the Right Remodeler for Your Home
For some homeowners, it’s easy to be disillusioned by popular home improvement shows on television. In the span of an hour, you get to see one or two people transform an outdated home into a modern masterpiece. But what most people don’t know is that, behind the scenes, they employ the expertise of skilled remodelers to make these transformations happen.
You may not be able to transform your home in the span of an `edited’ hour. However, there are ways to achieve beautiful results that are fit for TV with the help of a home remodeler. These eleven tips will help you find home remodeling companies in VA that can transform your space into something special.
1. Define Your Home Remodeling Project Goals
The most important step before looking for home remodeling companies in VA is to have a clear idea of your priorities and what goals you want to achieve during your remodel. Important subjects to cover in your plan are:
- An outline of your budget
- A list of the repairs and details regarding your remodel or project
- Your style and design choices
- Your goals for this project and what you are looking to achieve (i.e. more space, more storage, a more modern look, better functionality, etc.)
- Any future plans you may have for your home
- How long you plan to stay in your home
In your plan, you can include a style board with photos from magazines, the internet, and television. This way, you can clearly define your vision with your remodeler. By having a clear concept of your remodel, you can easily explain the project to contractors and avoid any miscommunication. It also prevents you from having unexpected hassles during your project, such as running over budget, last-minute changes, and missed deadlines.
2. Ask Around Your Neighborhood
The most reliable way of finding quality home remodeling companies in VA for your home is through word of mouth. Ask your family and friends if they have had any work done on their homes and if they were happy with their remodeler. It’s also a great idea to be alert while out in your neighborhood. If you notice any homes that have undergone an impressive update, contact the homeowners and ask for information on home remodeling companies they would recommend.
3. Look at Online Reviews
The internet is another resource you can use when going through the initial process of finding a home remodeling company. By doing a quick internet search, you can find remodelers in your area, look at their portfolio, and find company reviews. Although this method is convenient, it’s important to do further research by calling the company to get more information on their credentials and expertise to avoid being misled by fake reviews.
4. Review their Portfolio
If you need to narrow down your list of possible home remodelers, the best way to find the right one for you is to look at their portfolio. Reputable home remodeling companies in VA will have a portfolio on their website showcasing their recent work. This is an ideal way to help you visualize how their style or design plans might look in your home and if it aligns with your vision.
5. Look for a Remodeler with Experience
When hiring a home remodeling company, it’s best to seek out a well-established business that has a long and proven track record within your community. Hiring a company that has been around for many years ensures that if you run into issues with your remodel months or years later, they will be there to help you come up with a solution. Unfortunately, it’s far too common for small businesses to cease operations and will leave you with no recourse if you have problems with your home renovation.
6. Hire a Pro
There may be skilled DIYers that can create impressive work, but for your home remodeling project, it’s best to hire a team of professionals that has spent years perfecting their craft. With trusted home remodeling companies in VA, you’ll have experienced and highly trained staff working on your home makeover.
7. Do Your Research
It is important as a homeowner that the company you choose is up to your standards. The best way to do this is by getting estimates from different contractors. This way, you can choose the business that holds the promise of best achieving your goals at your required price point and time frame. Be sure to ask the following questions during your consultations:
- Are they licensed, insured, and do they have knowledge of the building codes in your area?
- Can they give you an estimate on how long the remodel will take?
- Will they work on your project full time? Or are they undertaking multiple projects?
- Do they use an in-house team or hire subcontractors to complete their work?
- Will their team do a walkthrough with you after completion to ensure the job is completed to your satisfaction?
- Will there be a point of contact throughout your project to ensure you have someone to address your questions or concerns?
8. A Busy Remodeler Is a Good Sign
Don’t be put off if a home remodeling company isn’t immediately available to take on your project. High quality remodelers are a sought-after commodity, and they may have a busy calendar. If you want the outcome of your home to be the best, it pays to be patient until they are free to dedicate all their time to your project. After all, a home renovation will last decades, so waiting a few months shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
9. Always Have a Contract
A contract is key to making sure your home remodel runs smoothly. Without this important document, you’re unprotected in the event of an issue between yourself and the contractor. Professional home remodeling companies in VA know that this is the only way to do business. A contract will help outline their terms and conditions, and what to do if you have a problem with their workmanship.
10. Review BBB Accreditation and Trade Organization Ratings
The Better Business Bureau is worth checking to see if your home remodeler is accredited. BBB accreditation is important because it means that a remodeler is committed to upholding standards of quality and trust. For further quality confirmation, it is best to review online ratings and read up on trade publications for more information on the remodeling company of your choice.
11. Rely on Your Intuition
It is always best to go with your gut when considering a home remodeler. If you have a bad feeling when dealing with a company or any part of the process, drop them! You should work with a company that you trust because they will be in your home for an extended period of time, depending on the scale of your project. A good start to your working relationship means a good ending for your home remodel.
Gibson Home Services is a Reliable Home Remodeling Company in VA
If you’re looking for home remodeling companies in VA that you can trust, Gibson Home Services is the quality home remodeler that you need. We treat every home as our own and have a team of licensed, insured, and experienced remodelers ready to assist you. Our team can create a home remodel tailored to your needs to give you the space of your dreams. When you experience the GHS difference, you can expect customized solutions, honest pricing, and friendly service.
Gibson Home Services is a fully licensed and insured home remodeling company that can help you achieve your home improvement goals. We have over 20 years of experience providing exceptional service to communities throughout Northern Virginia. For more information, you can contact us online or give us a call at 540-364-1200 for a free estimate or consultation.
