Home Improvement season is well underway and it’s important to be able to identify a quality contractor. The right home improvement project can help add value to your home and improve quality of life with a more functional space that fits your needs. You want to make sure you have your work taken care of in a timely manner with a smooth experience and peace of mind that you’re not going to be paying more to correct issues down the road.
First, do some research about the job you want to be done so you can ask informed questions. Familiarize yourself with the jargon, material and technique options so you can speak from a knowledgeable place. Take care to research common problems others have run into when having that type of home improvement project done.
Armed with basic knowledge about the project, it’s time to begin your strategic search for the contractor that best fits your needs. Look for word of mouth recommendations first by asking trusted friends and use digital community groups on platforms such as Facebook or Next Door for reviews and recommendations on local contractors that have done quality work in your area. Websites like Angie, Thumbtack and Home Advisor are also excellent sources of information for contractors in your area.
When it comes to deciding the scope or specialty of the job, identify what the most important need you want this job to address. Need to make sure someone has an eye for leveling before installing a fixture in an uneven area? Have a recurring issue that needs to be addressed? Ask questions to make sure they are qualified to do the work you need, exactly how you need it.
After you’ve put together a short list of contractors, ask for estimates to compare and contrast price points. Be sure to ask what is included in the estimate price. Are there any additional fees that could pop up? Does it cover materials? If so, what quality or type of materials? Do they provide aftercare or educational materials for an additional fee? Do they offer a warranty for their services? This type of detailed estimate breakdown can help you compare prices apples to apples. Price shouldn’t be your deciding factor, but it can help you make an informed decision.
Once you have selected a contractor, make sure they are transparent about the process and give you clear estimates for timelines and benchmarks. Make sure to establish the point of contact from the beginning for a smooth process. Find out the company’s preferred method of communication to avoid any road bumps and keep lines of dialogue open.
With these tips, your home improvement process and interactions with your contractor should go swimmingly. After all, your aim with these projects is to improve your quality of life, the process shouldn’t be of detriment to it. Good luck, and happy home improvement!
A Home Equity Line of Credit is a great way to pay for these home improvements. Home equity is the difference between your home’s appraised value and the outstanding balance of all liens owed against the property. The available funds in your HELOC can be accessed when you need them, and these credit lines are typically used for large expenses.
Using equity to finance a home renovation project can be a smart financial decision. Contact CTFCU to learn more about a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to see how your home can help you pay for its own improvements.
