On average, a remodeling project can cost around $50,000.
It can also take days, weeks, or for major projects months of work.
This can lead to you and your family seeking out a hotel or short term rental until it’s complete.
You’re leaving your beautiful home in the hands of a contractor, believing that they’ll renovate it for the better.
That’s why it’s vital to find a remodeling company that you can trust without any worry.
To help you narrow down your options, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide.
Keep reading to learn about the red flags that a local contractor isn’t the right choice for you.
1. No Proof of Eligibility
Before hiring a contractor, request proof of their experience and legitimacy.
Many contractors will share their credentials on their website, while others will offer it when asked.
To protect yourself and your home, it’s vital to do this basic research.
Ask for permits, licenses, and insurance policies; and don’t forget EVERY general contractor is required to carry Workman’s Comp and ensure ALL sub-contractors are covered by Workman’s Comp as well.
These things will give you both peace of mind and a solid defense in case of any mismanagement.
If a contractor won’t share this information with you, it’s an instant sign that you should look for a different company.
It’s likely they won’t have the right knowledge to complete your remodeling project without mistakes which could lead to leaks, further damage, or building design elements not meeting the proper building codes.
2. Lack of Communication
Nothing’s quite as annoying as a company that won’t stay in contact with you.
Getting ignored is a frustration that you shouldn’t be forced to deal with as a paying client.
It could interrupt your daily life and even cost you more money.
For example, if you want to remodel your kitchen, you’ll need to know the specifics the project timeline.
This information allows you to plan accordingly for you and your family during the remodel.
Having clarity allows you to plan with confidence, and to know you won’t be without a kitchen for longer than necessary.
The key is to find a contractor that’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
Test the waters before hiring a company.
See how willing they are to communicate with you to get a better idea of what to expect from them.
3. Hidden Reviews
Are you able to find reviews from previous customers?
Can you find people talking about the company when you do an Internet search? If the answer is no, then you should proceed with caution.
Any company worth their salt should want to show off praise they receive from a job well done.
It gives you a sense of their integrity when they’re not afraid to hide opinions about their work.
Do a quick search for past experiences and reviews before engaging with any company.
It’ll give you a lot of good information you can then use to help find the right contractor for remodeling your home.
4. Poor Organization
No matter what type of home renovation you are looking to complete, it’s a job that requires a lot of juggling.
There are many moving parts in the construction process that the local contractor should have no trouble keeping in line.
Whenever you ask for an update, the company should have all of the details ready and waiting.
It shouldn’t take them days to figure out the answer to a question.
They also should remember the specifics of your remodel design without needing to ask you to repeat them time and time again.
If you are noticing signs of poor organizational skills, you should reconsider working with that particular company.
How can you trust a company with something as precious as your home if they can’t stay organized?
5. Weird Payment Methods
When a company asks for payment in an unusual way, it’s a sign that it’s not the right company for you.
A trustworthy contractor company is upfront with payment options.
They won’t ask for more money once the contract is set and they’ll work with you to ensure you get the most value for your money.
There should be a candid conversation about the payment expectations so that both parties are satisfied with the agreement.
A company that is not forthcoming with a clear budget based on the scope of the project that is agreed upon will often end up costing you far more than the remodel is worth.
If you are being asked to pay everything upfront, they may not finish the job before moving on to the next project.
6. Lack of Honesty
The importance of honesty and remaining upfront about the remodeling job is something you can’t ignore or put a price on.
The contractor should always have the integrity to let you know about issues as they happen.
Delays can happen, especially during poor weather, supply chain bottlenecks, or other unforeseen issues, but lying about it will only make things worse for everyone involved.
If you notice a lack of honesty at any time while you’re communicating as you look to find the right contractor for your project, don’t ignore this critical red flag.
After all, if you are discovering trust issues or they are saying things that you come to find are not actually accurate or true, take note.
If a company is having a hard time being honest in the interview process, how could you trust them if an accident happens or issue arises during the project?
7. Bad Vibes
At the end of the day, you should always trust your gut instinct. That bad feeling might be misplaced, but why take the chance?
A company could look legitimate, but maybe you get bad vibes when you meet with them in person.
Perhaps the company offers the current remodeling trends, but do you feel good about the idea of working with them?
These instincts can lead you to the right decision, even when all the other methods tend to steer you the other way.
You’re the one who will be dealing with this company.
If you don’t feel comfortable interacting with them, then there’s no harm in looking for a company that does.
A Remodel Company You Can Trust
Without legitimate permits, good communication or a good verifiable track record, it’s impossible to trust any remodel company.
Before you give that kind of company permission to work on your home, do some research to find a better option.
The one you deserve could be right around the corner!
Mariano & Co. strives to be the best contractor choice for the Greater Metro Phoenix area.
We focus on delivering a 5-star customer experience and keep you included every step of the way.
Get a free estimate for your next remodeling project and let us treat you like royalty!
Don’t settle for less! Research for a trusted remodeling company near me with permits and a good track record. Choose Mariano & Co. for a 5-star experience. We specialize in luxury remodeling and renovations for high-end homes. We are committed to providing each client with a 5-Star home remodeling experience. Call (480) 287-4096 Or request an estimate online today!
