There are a number of reasons to want to select an experienced and professional home remodeler. But the very best reason is to hire them for their qualities and attributes. Determining what are the right qualities and attributes for your needs is critical to the selection process.
After living in your home for quite a few years you realize that certain changes would do a world of good. These may include expanding your house and making it more spacious for a growing family need, redoing the flooring to remove the worn-out flooring materials, relaying or strengthening the plumbing system, painting the exterior and interior, and redoing the kitchen and bathroom, among others.
Although planning for a home remodel using the DIY method can seem to be enticing to save money, this usually does not prove to be the case so it’s better to hire the services of experienced Houston remodeling contractors.
Remember, a Houston home remodeler can execute the project in a timely manner and within the budget (unless there are genuine reasons for cost escalations) without causing much inconvenience. However, before you begin the search, you must take into consideration certain qualities you desire in remodeling contractors are supposed to possess.
If you miss out on these qualities and hire someone who does not have the requisite experience or expertise, your remodeling project can be plagued by uncertainties from day 1. You may also read our resource detailing the home remodeling process and guide.
Professional qualities and traits of Houston home remodelers
Best Qualities of Remodeling Contractors
The qualities that define the reliability and expertise of Houston remodeling contractors are as follows:
Reputable
It is not without reason that quality comes at a price. Reputations are built over years with a long list of satisfied customers vouching for the reliability of the contractor.
Since the remodeling of your home is going to be a lifetime investment and the changes made are going to be permanent, the project should be executed by someone who knows the professional skill well. So, it is important to hire someone who is reputable and is spoken highly of by the clients.
The best way to go about finding such remodeling companies is by asking your family, friends, or colleagues for recommendations, reading online reviews, and asking the shortlisted home remodelers for referrals.
Visit the clients and find out about their quality performance. Ask the clients about their opinion about the home remodeler – are they happy with the quality of work, are there any points of conflict, etc.
A reputable remodeling contractor should not have any qualms in sharing his list of clients. Contacting a home remodeler past clients should only be done prior to hire them to avoid inconveniencing their clients for practice. You may read our blog to know the best architectural home design trends for remodeling luxury homes.
Treat your home as if it’s their own
Think this way. Whether the suggestions given by the remodeling companies you are considering remodeling your house would have been the same had it been for his home?
If you see the remodel contractor is suggesting to cut corners to meet the deadline or costs to meet a budget, then the person should be a persona non grata for hiring.
Further, since the person is going to work in your home for quite some time, he and his team should be respectful towards your family and surroundings.
Also, the job site should be left tidy and organized after the completion of each day’s work. This can only happen if the home remodeler treats your house with the respect it deserves. You may view our video to know about the home remodel techniques if you are on a budget.
Integrity
Working with a remodeling contractor that has integrity is very important quality. A home remodeler should be open and transparent about his work, and should not keep you in the dark about certain aspects of work that cannot be done within the budget or timeline.
There may be inexperienced remodeling companies who in order to get the contract may agree to everything you want to change in your home even if that is not feasible within the budget and timeline.
When it comes to executing the tasks, the unscrupulous contractor submits you a change order or request a modified method to the plan’s specifications. This represents the potential of getting into a conflict situation when the actual task needs to be executed.
So, it is better to have a home remodeler who does not mince his words when a certain task is beyond the remit. It is better to be truthful at first instead of taking the client for a ride later. An honest remodeling company will clear all your doubts about the project in no uncertain terms.
He will not beat around the bush but remain honest about the job throughout the hiring period and thereafter. Even though he may cost you more than a run-of-the-mill contractor, the end result will be completed with integrity to your satisfaction.
Technical know-how
A Houston remodel contractor should have the technical know-how of the work he is supposed to execute. He should be able to provide you with the best solution or more than one solution to any home remodeling problem.
And even if he does not have the knowledge of every aspect of construction, he should have access to the right knowledge pool of experts to find the solution. One of the major red flags of ascertaining whether the home remodeler in question has the technical know-how is to call him to your place and seek his advice on a problem.
If he does not take measurements or refrain from collecting data related to the problem, you can be more or less sure that he does not have the expertise or technical know-how to do the job.
Not overcharge
Your house remodeling project can entail a lot of personal and financial investments. But that does not mean you should splurge on anything that crosses your mind.
A reliable home remodeler will not overcharge you for solutions unless you have given your consent to the same. No remodeling company should think of you as his last customer before he takes a sabbatical but the one who would recommend his services to others.
This way he can get more customers through the word of mouth. He should not overcharge you and should keep his dealings transparent. In most cases a reputable remodeling contractor will provide the support behind the pricing.
Timely
Every remodeling contracting project comes with an estimated completion date. Adhering to a sense of urgency is important to avoid cost escalations later. The remodeling contractor hired by you should understand how important it is to finish the job within estimated timelines.
This way you and your family can get over the temporary disruptions and return to a normal lifestyle sooner. If the home remodeler understands the value of time and urges on his subcontractors to finish their work early while maintaining the quality of work, he certainly fills one of the criteria for selection.
Solutions oriented
The remodeling contractor should be upfront in offering solutions to the remodel problems. He should be able to work around solutions for challenges based on his knowledge and experience.
He should address any concerns of yours through lucid explanations like a mentor rather than speaking down to you. He should not be the one to raise the flag always to any suggestion of yours.
Instead, he should weigh the pros and cons of your suggestion and give his measured advice. Simply put, he should be solution-oriented and look at the glass as half full.
Good communicator
It can be frustrating if the home remodeler you spoke to forgets about everything you said after the conversation is over. Rather, he should be a good listener as well as keeping you informed.
Remodeling contracting is about taking notes of everything – your vision, expectations, and the remodeling project. Since you should be communicating routinely with your remodeler about home remodel project, which is a big investment on your part, they can be expected to keep you informed about project milestones and matters that need your attention.
Stable network of subcontractors
A reliable remodeling company should have a stable group of subcontractors such as electricians, construction crew, plumbers, drywall hangers, and painters, among others, at his beck and call.
Open conversation early about how long the subcontractors have been working with the home remodeler and whether they have a positive working relationship. It shouldn’t be the case that once you give him the contract, the subcontractors play truant and you are caught in the rut for no fault of yours.
It is worth mentioning that subcontractors do work for many remodeling contractors and at times your home remodeler’s preferred subcontractor may not be available when the schedule time materializes.
This is when a truly professional remodel contractor shines. They are able to plug in an alternative subcontractor without delay or the compromising of results.
Hiring Home Remodelers in Houston? Ask These 10 Questions First
“Building isn’t just about shelter. It’s about realizing dreams, making statements, and creating spaces where life happens.”
Source: https://realestatespice.com/construction-quotes/
Here is look into the expected home improvement market size in the United States from 2008 to 2028
Reference: https://www.statista.com/statistics/239753/total-sales-of-home-improvement-retailers-in-the-us/
Have you finally decided to give your home that much-needed makeover? Maybe you want to update your kitchen, add a scintillating bathroom, or completely revamp your living space. Whatever the case, you can hire the right home remodeler in Houston if you want to save more in the long run and make your dream of a luxury home come true. After all, this isn’t just a small weekend DIY project- it’s about your home, and you would want it to be done right.
Hiring Home Remodelers in Houston? Ask These 10 Questions First
However, how do you make sure that you are hiring the best team of home remodelers for the job? Simple: all you need to do is ask the right questions to your selected house remodeler before signing on the dotted line. Confused about what to ask? Well, here are 10 must-ask questions that can ensure your remodeling project goes effortlessly and meets your expectations.
#1 Are you Licensed and Insured?
This is a non-negotiable question for when you are selecting house remodelers. A licensed house remodeler meets all the state and local regulations, and they know their stuff. Besides, insurance is equally important- if an accident happens on-site, you don’t want to be held liable. Thus you need to ask for proof for both before proceeding.
#2 How Much Experience Do You Have in Houston?
Houston has a unique climate. From the humid summers and potential flooding to foundation challenges, there’s a lot that can happen while your construction work is still going on. That’s why you need to pick home remodelers in Houston who know how to work with local materials and build structures that last while understanding Houston’s unique climatic conditions.
#3 Can You Provide a Reference and a Portfolio?
When you are looking for Houston home remodelers, you can also check for reputed contractors who have a portfolio of past projects and happy customers who are willing to vouch for their work. While you are going through their work in Houston home renovation or home remodeling services, look for consistency and craftsmanship, and check online reviews, so you can analyze the real-world feedback.
#4 What’s Your Home Remodeling Process Like?
You need to understand how the Houston remodeling contractors operate from start to finish, so you can avoid surprises. Ask questions like do they handle unexpected issues and if they provide detailed timeline. Asking about their process and finding out if the contractors have a structured process for residential renovation can help you avoid so many headaches along the way.
#5 Who Will Be Working on My Home?
When you are hiring professional contractors for whole house renovations or for tasks like kitchen remodels or bathroom renovations, you need to understand if the company’s own team will be doing the work, or do they subcontract everything. If contractors are involved, ensure that they are vetted, skilled, and ensured because you should know exactly who’s in your home during the luxury home renovations.
#6 What’s Included in the Contract?
Before you sign anything, ensure that you understand exactly what’s covered in the contract. Whether it’s kitchen and bathroom remodeling or you are tearing down the walls of your living room to make it more spacious, get a detail of everything like the materials, labor, permits, deadlines, home renovation costs, and payment schedules in your contract for home improvement services.
#7 How Do You Handle Change Orders?
Sometimes plans change mid-project. For instance, you may decide to upgrade your countertops or switch flooring materials. So, while you are doing custom renovations find out how your home renovation contractors in Houston handle changes, additional costs, and timeline adjustments, so there will be no conflicts or surprises later. Only 57% of the construction projects are finished within their initial budgets, so asking about the cost is mandatory.
Source: https://aliresources.hexagon.com/enterprise-project-performance/project-cost-management
#8 What’s Your Estimated Timeline?
Be wary of remodelers who promise ultra-fast turnarounds because high-quality Houston house renovation work takes time. Over 60% of remodeling projects experience delays beyond the estimated completion date, so you need to ask about the timeline too.
During the residential construction services, ask about realistic deadlines and how they handle delays due to weather, material shortages, or unforeseen issues.
#9 Do You Offer any Post Construction Work?
A solid contractor stands by their work. So, when you are selecting residential construction services, ask if the contractor can help you with the construction if something goes wrong after the project is complete.
#10 How Do You Handle Permits and Inspections?
Many remodeling projects require permits, and skipping them can cause legal issues later. A professional remodeler will handle all necessary permits and inspections to keep everything up to code. So, when you are opting for home additions, don’t forget to ask about the permits and inspections of the Houston home remodelers you pick.
Why Houston Homeowners Are Investing in Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels
If you have noticed more of your Houston neighbors upgrading their kitchens and bathrooms, you’re not imagining things, remodeling is booming! But why are so many homeowners taking the plunge? Simple: it’s a smart investment that enhances both lifestyle and property value:
1. Boosting Home Value
Houston’s real estate market is competitive, and buyers love modern kitchens and spa-like bathrooms. A well-done remodel can increase your home’s resale value and help it sell faster when the time comes.
2. Adapting to Changing Needs
Many homeowners are remodeling to fit their evolving lifestyles, whether it’s creating an open-concept kitchen for family gatherings or adding a luxurious bathroom retreat for relaxation. Plus, with more people working remotely, functional and stylish spaces matter more than ever.
3. Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings
Older kitchens and bathrooms can be energy hogs. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and water-saving fixtures not only helps the environment but also cuts down on utility bills.
4. Personalization & Luxury
Who doesn’t want a space that truly reflects their style? Homeowners are embracing custom cabinetry, high-end countertops, smart home features, and spa-worthy showers to create their dream spaces.
Conclusion
The home remodeler you hire for house remodeling project should be reliable in the first place. He is the person who would navigate the waters of renovation and complete the task at hand to your satisfaction.
And unless he is of impeccable quality and displays professional finesse, you cannot expect him to finish the job without a major disappointment. You may read a blog to know more about the characteristics that a remodeling contractor should possess.
Still looking for remodeling contractors near me? Feel free to reach out to our team at Marwood Construction today!
