Did you know that approximately 30% of construction work involves rework, and that an estimated 28% of projects experience cost overruns? Unfortunately, mistakes involving the need to redo construction work or going over budget often occur when you choose the wrong general contractors in Athens, GA. The wrong renovation contractor can mishandle your budget, provide incorrect timelines, fail to demonstrate the skills they claim to possess, and even cause you to redo renovations, resulting in wasted time and money.
Luckily, when you choose the right Athens, GA, general contractors like Encompass Contracting, you don't encounter these issues and others. In our latest blog, our team has shared how to choose a contractor in Athens, GA, because we care about your projects and you. We don't want you to experience frustration and regret when you should be feeling excitement and joy while completing your dream renovation.
If it's your first renovation project – and even if it isn't – we know that instinctively knowing how to vet a contractor can be challenging. That's why, below, you'll find a few of our best tips to include on your 'hiring a contractor checklist' that'll help ensure you choose the right team.
When looking into how to choose a renovation contractor, one of the first things you need to do is ensure the contractor you're considering doesn't take shortcuts. Unfortunately, in the construction industry, many fly-by-night businesses take shortcuts when completing renovations. These shortcuts often lead to issues down the line, not to mention additional expenses incurred to rectify mistakes.
In our experience, if you speak with a contractor and they say something along the lines of 'we'll try to fit you in as soon as we can and please be patient with us,' it's usually a good sign. It means they are less likely to take shortcuts on their current project just to get yours done, meaning there is a lower chance that your project will be the recipient of shortcuts too.
High quality workmanship will take time. You don't want a contractor to rush his current job just to potentially do the same with yours when someone else comes by asking for their assistance. So bear this in mind when evaluating a few contractors in Athens, GA.
One of the biggest considerations during a renovation is pricing. We're not going to sugarcoat it. Often, it's best to choose a home improvement contractor in Athens that isn't the cheapest and offers you value for money. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you need to choose the most expensive remodeler. It just means you need to keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
But how much is the right amount? This is a tricky task that will require effort on your part to determine the optimal pricing for your project. Typically, you'll need to shop around and obtain a few quotes. While doing this, you'll notice that some contractors are remarkably cheaper than others. This is often because they lack knowledge of how to price or are attempting to undercut competitors and take shortcuts. On the other hand, there will likely be a few outliers who are excessively expensive, and a fair few who offer quotes around the same amount.
Now, expensive contractors may charge a premium for specialized services, so it's best to weigh what you need done against the skill set a contractor offers and decide if you feel the pricing is fair. In our opinion, it's usually the contractors charging similar rates – specialized services excluded – who are the most cost-effective, and at Encompass Contracting, we often fall into this category.
It's easy to overlook a crucial detail when hiring a contractor for renovations in Athens, GA, and that's choosing a company that's either licensed or unlicensed. Licensed contractors are often more trustworthy because they are professionals who meet strict industry standards.
When you hire a licensed contractor, you know the job will be done well and to a certain standard. The same cannot be said for unlicensed contractors who often present shoddy work because they cut corners to save costs.
Additionally, licensed home contractors are required to carry liability insurance. This is incredibly important as it means you'll be protected against accidents that could occur on your property. The bottom line is if they carry insurance, you're protected against financial losses due to damage or accidents.
You should also know that licensed contractors, unlike most unlicensed contractors, will be legally compliant. At Encompass Contracting, we adhere to building codes and regulations, ensuring there is no chance of legal issues or safety concerns during your renovation.
If we're being honest – which we always are – we all want our renovation to turn out as we pictured it in our minds. Realistically, this isn't always possible, but there's no reason why your home remodel shouldn't meet your expectations.
With this in mind, it's best to always evaluate a contractor's past projects to determine if their previous work aligns with your vision and expectations. Their past work will show you what they are capable of and the level of care they put into their renovations.
Additionally, their previous projects should also highlight any specialty services they offer, providing a good indicator of how they treat their customers. Take a look at the 'project' or 'gallery' section on a contractor's website, as well as their testimonials section, to see what past clients have to say. You won't regret taking the time to have a look.
And if you want to take it one step further, one of the best contractor review tips we can give is to look up the business on the Better Business Bureau. Looking them up on this platform will provide you with further insight into how clients have felt about working with them in the past.
In the day and age we live in, it's important to keep a wary eye out for red flags, especially when you're trusting a contractor with your home. In our experience, there are a few red flags you can pick up on that immediately indicate a business isn't who they are portraying themselves to be.
For example, if a home remodeling contractor is reluctant to provide references or financial information, those are huge red flags. Additionally, if they try to pressure you into making an immediate decision, offer unusually low bids, or show an unwillingness to obtain necessary permits, they are a risky choice.
Should you encounter any of these red flags or others, it's best to remove that contractor from your list of candidates for your renovation.
We hope that the home improvement contractor tips we shared in our blog will help you choose a remodeling company. If you're ready to commit to a renovation and want the best of the best, it might be time to consider us at Encompass Contracting.
Our local, full-service, family-owned remodeling company is not only licensed and insured but also reasonably affordable. We also don't take shortcuts and have past projects that you can review, demonstrating the high caliber of work we offer.
With over 300 projects under our belts and more than 16 years of experience remodeling homes, you can trust that we're a premier choice. You can contact our team here, and we'll be happy to assist you with your next renovation project.