How Do I Select a Contractor?
Virtually all construction and remodeling projects start with a phone call. This phone call should be fluid, pleasant, and friendly. During this call, the first meeting between the client and the Contractor is scheduled. Make sure the meeting is with the Contractor personally, not a salesperson or representative. This is very important when asking yourself “How Do I Select a Contractor?” A salespersons job is to sell you. That’s how they earn fat commissions and bonuses. You pay these commissions. You can’t install commissions in your bathroom or kitchen!
How Do I Find a Contractor I can Trust?
The first meeting is where the Contractor comes to your home to meet and review your project with you. How does this work? When I started to write this article, I started with the usual Contractor stuff. But I began to think “why don’t I try a different approach?” I thought “something that has the same level of importance but easier to understand”. So, let’s use the Babysitter or Caregiver as the comparison to the Contractor. Let’s start answering the question “How Do I Select a Contractor”.
Researching a Contractor for your Remodel
You decided to start your search for a Babysitter/Caregiver by researching the internet. Important to you is someone who is honest, dependable, and very high quality. Equally important is someone who is great with your kids, very experienced, and has impeccable references. Many years of hands on experience is also valuable.
You also want someone who actually has children of their own. How else can they truly appreciate both the art and challenges of raising children? After all, this person will be alone in your home for hours at a time, completely unsupervised. You need to trust that your kids will be safely cared for. You want everything that’s done for them to be helpful, correct, and does no harm.
When the Contractor Visits Your Home – The Interview
The first meeting should be relaxing and informative. It’s the opportunity to ask each other questions, gain a better understanding of what you would like done, how the process works, and learn more about how the Babysitter/Caregiver operates.
The first Babysitter/Caregiver arrives late. They don’t have the appearance that you expected – they don’t really look like a Babysitter/Caregiver. They look more like someone who represents the Babysitter/Caregiver, perhaps a sales person. No matter, they seem nice. They listen to what you have to say, interrupting constantly to tell you how great they are and all the wonderful things they can do for you – at a great price! You sense they’re not really listening or paying attention – but they sure can talk a great story! They don’t have any of the necessary licenses or insurances.
This person offers no real suggestions and tells you what they are going to do or can do (as oppose to what you would like). Oddly, they can’t fully explain the process and answer your questions. But – they’re trying really hard to convince you to hire them on the spot. All it takes is a cash deposit of 50% (for snacks) and a hand shake – or maybe a simple 1 or 2 page contract. Just sign on the dotted line, give them a key to your house, a bunch of cash, and a world of bliss awaits! Oh, one more thing, they tell you that it’s not necessary or required for someone to oversee their work – you know, someone checking up on them making sure their doing everything correctly and safely.
The second Babysitter/Caregiver arrives on time (actually, a bit early). They called in advance to make sure the meeting day and time was still convenient for you. They’re friendly, look like a Babysitter/Caregiver, and easily communicate with you. This person carefully listens to what you would like and then offers lots of meaningful suggestions. The vehicle they arrived in is clean, well kept, and it’s obvious he or she is meticulous.
The Home Remodel Contractor
Like the Babysitter/Caregiver, the Contractor himself should come to your home personally to meet with you, not a salesperson. The salesperson will not be performing any work on your home and has likely never performed the type of work you’re looking to have done. Their job is to sell you something – they don’t know much if anything about remodeling and building.
The Contractor should always explain the entire process from the first meeting through permitting. This includes project completion. They inform you that in the State of California the maximum amount of the down payment is 10% or $1,000 whichever is less. A sheet is provided to you with all their licenses, insurances, and references. This document includes contact information for the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). You should not need to ask for these things. Moreover, they should never ask for a penny during the first meeting. The first meeting is all about getting to know each other and gaining a better understanding of what it is you would like. The first meeting should never be about getting money from you or coercing you to sign a contract.
This best Contractor’s (like DAD’s!) physically work everyday on homes performing the type of work you’re looking to have done!
These Contractors don’t just talk about it or manage those who do, they physically perform the work. These professionals obviously know what they’re talking about and they’ve been doing this for at least 30 years! They let you know they are there to help and answer all of your questions. They tell you that you can call or e-mail them with any questions.
Making The Decision to Hire a Home Remodel Contractor
Now, you have a decision to make. Hire the first or the second babysitter. I think the clear choice is babysitter number 2 – wouldn’t you agree? It’s the same when hiring a Contractor. The Contractor, whatever they’re doing in your home, must be someone you trust, is sincere, honest, displays a high degree of integrity, and absolutely knows what they are doing and talking about. Most importantly, they truly care about the health and safety of you and your family and are genuinely interested in helping you – not in selling you.
Is there Something I can Ask a Home Remodel Contractor to See How Honest They Are?
Try this next time you invite someone out to your home to discuss performing a renovation or remodel for you. Ask them about building permits and inspections. Before they arrive, call the Building Department 
of your local City and ask if permits are required for what you’re thinking about doing. Make sure you provide them with a good, concise summary of what you’re going to do.
When the Contractor you meet with does not mention permits, ask about them. When they tell you they’re not required and you already know they are, show them the door! Remember, permits and inspections are there to protect the health and safety of you and your family.
The Building Inspector comes to your home throughout the project inspecting every phase of the Contractors work; making sure it’s correct and safe. Now consider that the Contractor you just met lied to you! Do you really trust someone with the keys to your house, your children, and the health and safety of you and your family when they can look you straight in the face and lie?
Always Hire a Reliable and Dependable Contractor to Remodel your Home
Always work with a trustworthy contractor like DAD’s Construction for home remodeling. We are experts in full interior home remodeling who can manage projects in an efficient manner. DAD’s Construction will do everything to minimize the possibility of change orders. Our team will make sure we have all the necessary information to prepare a proposal that meets your requirements. Rest assured that we will provide you with a detailed, by line-item contract. We will make sure that the contents of this agreement are properly and clearly communicated to you. If you have questions or need updates regarding your project, we will always answer your inquiries.
How Can I Receive More Information on Remodeling my Home?
If you would like more information on enjoying the best bathroom, kitchen, and interior remodeling experience in Orange County, call Dan at (949) 380-0177 or at dan@dadsconstruction.com for a free in home consultation. DAD’s serves all of South Orange County California. This includes Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, Ladera Ranch, Irvine, San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Dove Canyon, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Aliso Viejo.
