How to Find the Best Contractors for Restoration Projects

Quality work is essential when it comes to restoring an old home to its former glory. Updating and renovating an older structure for a new purpose requires a working knowledge of local regulations, especially if the house is considered to be of historic value. Repairing these types of buildings for reselling later means you need a top-notch restoration team to help. We talk about several ways to vet potential contractors below.

Directories and Consumer Reporting Agencies

Most firms will saturate the internet with a business listing in local directories and are easily found affiliated with your desired location. For example, you can search NJ & NY restoration contractor and come up with hundreds of results on Google, Yelp, Yahoo, Bing, and MSN. You can look at the listings and see what ratings other clients give to the contractor. Other directories, such as the Better Business Bureau, can help you determine who is reputable both as a contractor and for local specializations, like NJ & NY historic home renovations. The agency gives each business a rating and lists complaints and how the company resolves the issue. While this isn’t the only place you should look for information on a company, directories are a great place to start to see what companies are in your area and get a general first impression of their local reputation.

Company Sites and Portfolios

The business website will offer some clues to how well the contractor can perform renovations. Most modern contractors will have portfolios containing detailed pictures of previous jobs, and descriptions about the projects can give you a more in-depth look at the firm and the scope of completed jobs. Another way to check out these firms is to see who has connections with national reporting firms and oversight committees. For example, one way to check contractors advertising home renovations is to see if they are affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders. This information should be easily available on the company website, as trustworthy developers and renovators are transparent with where potential clients can research the firm and the quality of the work they perform.

References, Reviews, and Testimonials

Looking at reviews from previous clients can also give you an opportunity to investigate the contractor. While one of the most common ways to find reviews from previous clients is through the reviews left on directories online, you can also contact the company themselves and ask if they can give you any references that you can call. Getting a reference from someone who has had similar work done to what you’re looking for will yield the most relevant information. You can also read reviews on social media sites and the directories listings you find. A reputable firm will have partnerships with other builders too, and you can ask businesses in your area who they would recommend for certain restoration work.

Licensed Experts

CNBC says to check the license, insurance, and bonding information for any contractor you hire and ask for the same information for subcontractors who will work on the job. Anyone who acts suspiciously when you ask for information regarding these requirements should be avoided, as most companies are happy to show their qualifications if it means getting a client. Hiring a local firm gives you the chance to get information about the business from the local chamber of commerce, building suppliers, and even the competition. Historic home renovations require a strict set of guidelines and requirements. Obtaining permits and adhering to oversight committee regulations means maneuvering through red tape and complying with building codes. While this isn’t something you’ll need to do yourself, it is something that you’ll want to put in the hands of a professional. Choosing the right contract team for your renovation project requires research to ensure you find the best firm to give your home value now and later if you intend to sell the property.     Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *