brush-painting-paint-brushes-8133.jpgIf you are selling your home, a great way to increase the value of the home is to do small (or large) renovation projects. Many sellers decide to renovate their kitchen or outdoor space before listing their home for sale in order to make the home more appealing or modern. Buyers are attractive to these rennovations and find new, clean, modern looking remodels as a value increase. If you are considering a remodel or have a renovation project already planned, it's important that you find the right contractor to get the job done. Here's a 4 step guide to find, hire and close the deal with a great contractor for your home remodeling project.


4 Steps to Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

Shop around & get recommendations

  • Talk with friends and family for recommendations of local contractors.
  • Check in with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and find a list of members in your area.
  • Ask the agent you are working with to sell your home (or have worked with in the past) if they have any references for remodeling work.  

Choose 3-4 contractors that seem like a good fit

  • Ask for and check references. If you can, go around and look at jobs that the contractors have already completed in your area. 
  • Check with the local Better Business Bureau for complaints against any of the chosen contractors.
  • Conduct phone interviews with each and ask these questions:
    • Do they take on projects of your size?
    • Are they willing to provide the contact information for former clients to speak to?
    • How many other projects will they be working on at the same time?
  • Get written estimates from each contractor. 

Pick 2-3 contractors to meet face to face

  • Read the contract they present very carefully
    • Does it state what exactly is to be done and how change orders are handled?
    • Check that the contract says when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isnt.
    • Make sure the contract indemnifies you if work does not meet building codes or regulations.
    • Does it say who will clean up after the remodeling job and who would be responsible for any damage?
    • Ensure that the materials listed in the contract meet your specifications.
  • Ask each contractor to break down the contract for you. Ask what the cost of materials, labor and profit margins along with other expenses are.

Close the deal

  • Within 3 business days you are still able to cancel a contract if you change your mind.

  • Identify a payment schedule that will work for you both. A payment of 10% is typical for larger projects upon signing. 

  • Remember, don't make the final payment until you're satisfied with the work. 

Sell Your Home and Save a TON of Cash

Contact Glass House today and one of our full-service agents will come to your home to give you an expert market analysis of your home's value and the current market. Our fee for selling a home is only 1.5% of the sales price. We don't have a fancy office, franchise fees, broker splits, or other overhead "traditional" agents have, so we pass those savings on to you. We absolutely never charge admin fees, and we do not collect anything if your home does not sell. Contact us today to get started! 

Khalil El-Ghoul

Discover our 2.25% Full Service Listings and Buyer Rebates. Khalil is dedicated to guiding home buyers and sellers with expert advice and objective information. For professional real estate assistance, text Khalil at 571-235-4821 or email khalil@glasshousere.com today.