The day you close on a new home is an exciting one. The thrill of owning a home and making it your own is one of the greatest experiences of adulthood. However, with all the great benefits of homeownership, there are also many responsibilities. It is important to keep your home in good repair as it ages to prevent more costly repairs in the future and ensure your home’s value is maintained or even increased.

For all home improvement projects, it is important to find the right contractor. While it may seem overwhelming to find, vet and then hire a contractor, it doesn’t have to be. Taking time to do your research and find the best contractor for the job will yield better results and fewer headaches.

Preparing for the project

With each home improvement project, first, establish a budget that is comfortable for your family. If the project can be broken down into stages, establish a budget and plan for each stage. Also consider the timing of the project as it relates to weather, family schedules, and demands. For example, a total kitchen remodel may not be the best project to plan for the same month as your child’s graduation. 

Asking for referrals 

Ask for referrals for contractors who do the work you need. Poll friends, neighbors and family members who have had similar projects completed and ask who they hired. Consider asking friends or community groups on social media or connections on neighborhood apps like NextDoor for recommendations. After narrowing down the top vote-getters, ask the people who made the referral key questions about the contractor they used including: 

• How were they to work with?
• Do they do quality work?
• Did they stay on schedule and within budget?
• Did they communicate well?
• Did they keep the work area clean?
• Were they respectful to your family and your neighbors?
• Any concerns?
• Would you hire them again?

Vetting the top three

After determining the top three contractor options, the next step is to make direct contact with each of them. Call them and schedule an appointment for a complimentary quote on the work you need to be done. Pay attention to how each contractor answered your questions and how eager they seemed to schedule an appointment. During the meeting, evaluate how prompt they were, their assessment of what needs to be done, the suggested materials/supplier for the job and the quoted price. A good rule of thumb is to remember that you get what you pay for; price often reflects quality. Ask what permits are needed for the job and if they have the proper insurance. It is also important to know the contractor’s credentials. Finally, before beginning the work, ask for all the details in writing. Always review contracts carefully and make sure you are comfortable with everything stated, including the fine print.

Research recommended products and materials

After selecting a contractor for your home improvement project, discuss the specific products needed for the job. Whether the project is large or small — whether you need new flooring, paint, and minor repairs or if you are adding on a new room or entire floor, take time to discuss details. For instance, if you are replacing appliances as part of a kitchen renovation, ask the contractor which appliances they would recommend and why, as well as the energy efficiency ratings. Find out if it is more economical for you to purchase appliances directly from a retailer or if it is better for the contractor to purchase them from a supplier at cost. Also, learn about the factory warranties and if they remain valid if appliances are purchased through the contractor. 

Details also matter if you are replacing your water heater and other plumbing. First determine if you want a traditional water heater, either gas or electric, or a tankless system. If you are transferring from one type of system to another, learn about the pros and cons of the transfer as well as the pros and cons of the proposed new system. Get information about manufacturers, their reputation, how often do their systems have to be serviced and their expected life span. With plumbing fixtures, find out about warranties, replacement parts and recommended ways to clean/protect to maintain “like new” condition. With toilets and sinks, make sure all types work in the desired space and if the space has the required ventilation. Make sure all pipes are made of quality materials that will last for many years, and they are installed in a manner that ensures proper drainage.

Home Improvement projects done well can make a great difference in the quality of your home as well as the livability. Taking steps to find the right contractor for the job will make sure projects are done well, and with results, you can be proud of.