You’ve got a project in mind, and now you need to locate a contractor who will make it a reality. If you’re wondering how to find a good general contractor in Newtown, you’re not alone. The good news is that if you put in a little time and effort, you’ll be able to sort through your options and choose one that will make your remodeling dreams come true. With this guide, you’ll know just what to look for.
What Are the Qualities of a Good Contractor?
Top remodeling companies in towns like Southington come in all types and sizes. They all have a few things in common:
• Pays attention to your needs
• Answers your questions in full
• Uses simple language you can understand
• Responds to your communications
• Shows what they can do
• Maintains transparency at all stages of the project
• Puts everything in writing for your review
Be wary of choosing a contractor who doesn’t make all of these a priority.
Research Connecticut Remodeling Contractors
In the early stages of your remodeling brainstorming plans, you should start researching contractors around Newtown or Cheshire, CT who might be able to do the work. Browse their websites and make sure that your home fits in their service area. It’s all right if you don’t know precisely what you want to do at this point. Look for contractors who work on the room or part of the home that you want to be remodeled.
Browse Services Online
Any remodeling contractor worthy of your time will have, at minimum, a listing of their services and specialties online. Although it may seem like every home contractor around Southbury offers a little bit of everything, you might be surprised by the differences between companies. Give yourself time to browse through their online galleries, and check their social media accounts for before and after photos. Sometimes it’s difficult for homeowners to explain how they want a particular room to look. If you see pictures you like from a particular contractor, you might want to give them a call.
Get Recommendations on the Best Contractors in Newtown CT
By the nature of the job, most contractors work within a limited local area. As such, once you have a shortlist of contractors who might meet your requirements, it’s a smart idea to ask around to see if anyone has experience with them around Newtown or Watertown. You can always ask a contractor for references (and you should do this regardless), but it’s nice if you can get a hearty recommendation from a friend or relative you can trust. Look online for reviews and pay attention to people who describe similar experiences.
Request Consultations
Once you’ve done some online research and asked for recommendations, you should have at least three contractors you will call to request a consultation. It’s important to have more than one CT remodeling company so that you can compare them before you make a decision. Follow these tips to guide your initial interview and consultation process.
What Should I Look for When Hiring a Contractor?
Every contractor will work with you in different ways, but there are a few things you should look for in each company:
• Proof of licensing and insurance
• Written estimates with a high level of detail
• Experience in your desired project
• Good general demeanor
• Responsive communication
You may have several opportunities to talk to a representative of the company before you make a decision. It’s important to pay attention to your gut feelings during that time. You might not get a warm feeling from the top contractor on your list, but you’ll probably notice red flags from the wrong one.
How Do I Interview a Contractor?
The best way to choose a contractor you’ll be happy with is to do your research ahead of time and be prepared for the interview. It’s easy to invite a contractor to your home and hope that they will handle everything, but you’ll have a better experience if you write down a list of questions to ask:
• Do you have evidence of current licensing and insurance?
• What is your experience with projects like mine?
• Does your estimate fit within my budget?
• What is your design process?
• Who will be working on my project?
• What is your estimated timeline for a job like this?
• How do you handle change requests?
• On projects that require a home inspection, what is your pass rate?
During the interview, be sure to write down the answers and take notice of the way that the contractor answers them. Sometimes, the tone of the answer is as important to your decision as the content.
Compare Companies
By this point, you may have a bunch of notes and perhaps a few bids to compare. Be sure to take all factors into consideration before making a choice. Even if you create a budget for the project and it’s tight, it’s still wise not to base your decision solely on cost. The best contractor for the job is one that will make sure that you get what you wanted from the project, even if they charge more than someone else might. Deciding on fit and value will give you better long-term satisfaction.
Make a Commitment
Depending on when you’re scheduling your project, you may not have months to make a decision. The most popular contractors in Connecticut will fill up fast. Once you’ve made a choice, let them know promptly so you can get on the schedule right away.
At Fine Home Contracting, we always want you to feel comfortable that you’re making the right choice. That’s why we strive to center every step of the process on your needs and expectations. Contact us for more information about our services or to get started on your project.
About the Author: David Perrotti
