When it’s time to upgrade or remodel your home, it can be very exciting to start the process of meeting contractors and getting bids. However, there are a few things you should consider before inviting a home improvement contractor to your house for a meeting. Your consultation will go much smoother if you have already decided on the scope of the renovation project. What does that mean exactly? Keep reading to find out.
Scope of the Renovation Project: Make a List
Write down a list of everything that needs to change in or around your house. The big things will be obvious, like new cabinets, wall removal, or adding a window. But don’t forget about smaller details like installing drawer pulls or adding electrical outlets.
Next, write down a list of all the things you want. Pull up that “future home” Pinterest board, and write down the upgrades that would be nice, but aren’t necessary. Put them in order of priority, so if you need to trim down the cost, you can easily cross off the things at the bottom of the list.
If your dreams are bigger than your budget, consider if there are any parts of the renovation that you could complete yourself. For example, you might be able to tell the contractor to cross painting the walls off their list, because you can complete that afterwards. That being said, try not to impede the contractor’s work by doing this. DIY it if you can save it for the end of the project.
Consider Your Home Improvement Timeline
When picking a home improvement contractor, one factor to consider is how fast they can expect to finish your project. Are there any major events coming up that will impact when you want the project completed? For example, if you have family coming to visit this summer, you might want the project done before they arrive, or you might want to wait to start until after they leave.
Hire the Right Contractor
There are many home improvement businesses out there to choose from. One of your top considerations should be whether or not they have plenty of experience with your type of project. If you’re after a bathroom renovation, and they don’t have any pictures of bathroom renos on their website, ask if they can send some pictures to you.
No matter which contractor seems like the best fit, you should definitely make sure they are licensed, insured, and bonded before you hire them. It might not seem like a big deal, but there are a few nightmarish outcomes that could happen if you go with the lowest bidder instead of a reputable home improvement contractor.
Get Quick and Easy Financing for Your Project
When you’ve decided on a home improvement contractor and you’ve agreed on a price, HFS Financial is here with the best home improvement loan options for the scope of the renovation project. With almost six decades of experience, we know how to get you the lowest interest rates. It only takes 60 seconds to apply, and one of our home improvement loan experts will be in contact with you within a few hours. It doesn’t get any easier than that. At HFS Financial, “You Dream It, We Finance It!”