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Whether you’re looking to restore or rehabilitate your home, it’s important that you take the time to collect multiple estimates before making a decision. Look up each contractor’s reputation online, checking for complaints and verifying their insurance and licensing credentials.
Home restoration companies are typically highly sought after, and it can be tempting to hire the first company that comes along. However, doing so could make the situation worse.
Qualifications
Whether you are restoring a home to its original condition or changing it into your own vision, a restoration contractor is the professional you will need. A good home restoration contractor will be able to give you a detailed repair estimate and connect you with your insurance carrier. They will also be able to provide you with recommendations for storage facilities to keep your undamaged items safe and out of the way during the renovation process.
Restoring a home is a dream project for history buffs and architecture lovers. However, it is a time-consuming and expensive process that can be difficult to navigate without the help of original blueprints and old photos.
The best way to find a reliable restoration contractor is to seek out references from family and friends who have had work done on their homes. Also, look up contractors on the Better Business Bureau website to see if they have any complaints or other issues that could be an indication of their quality of work.
References
When you are choosing a general contractor for your home restoration project, getting recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers is an excellent starting point. You can also ask for recommendations from professionals you trust like insurance agents, real estate agents, or mortgage brokers. They may not be able to provide direct references, but they can often provide a list of reputable contractors that have worked with them in the past.
When you receive a list of potential contractors, it’s important to follow up with them. Call their references and ask them questions about the experience they had working with the contractor. In particular, you should find out how well the contractor communicated during the project and whether they finished the work on time and within budget. A good contractor will be able to answer these questions satisfactorily. If not, you should move on to another candidate.
Insurance
Whether you’re dealing with damage from storms, floods, fire or even mold, emergency home restoration contractors specialize in getting your house back to a livable state. They may also make temporary repairs to keep you safe, while working with insurance companies and other professionals to complete your recovery.
Restoring a historic building is a dream project for architecture buffs and history lovers. This type of work restores a building to its original condition as it existed at a given point in time, and can be done with an eye toward maintaining the structure’s integrity or transforming it into a modern vision.
If you’re in need of a professional for a large renovation or remodeling project, meet with three licensed contractors before selecting the one to hire. This gives you a chance to compare estimates, review portfolios and make sure all paperwork is clearly laid out. Remember to set up a payment schedule and insist that the contractor place any deposits in an escrow account and notify you within five days of where the funds are located.
Licenses
When selecting a home restoration contractor, be sure to check their licenses with your state’s governing body. You can also find their license information on the Better Business Bureau website.
Another important consideration is the type of work you want done. For example, if you are restoring a historic house, you may have to follow strict building standards in order to retain the integrity of the home. This is a very different project than home renovation, where you can change surface materials and layouts.
Regardless of the type of work, you should always get a written estimate before beginning the project. This should include all fees, work to be done, time schedules, guarantees and payment schedules. Also, a contract should outline the exact products that are being used in your project. This will help protect you from unforeseen costs and shoddy workmanship. A detailed quote will also help you compare estimates from contractors.