According to the latest Cost vs Value Report, some home remodeling projects can deliver an ROI of almost 94%. Imagine how much you could increase the value of your Mount Pleasant or Charleston home if you remodeled the entire thing.
Whether you’re considering this option to sell your home, or if you want a fresh look for a newly bought home, there’s only one way to maximize your returns.
That’s by asking a general contractor in Charleston, SC, the right questions before you start the process. Keep reading for some tips on what to ask and why.
Can I Find Out More About Your Company?
It’s imperative to find out as much as possible about a general contractor in Mount Pleasant, SC before you hire them. You can glean some information from online reviews and contractor’s websites, but it’s best to set up an appointment to discuss your needs.
During this meeting, be sure to find out the following information:
- Does the company have any references from previous clients?
- Can they show you examples of completed projects?
- Have they worked on projects like yours before?
- How many years of experience do they have?
- Are they active members of any industry associations?
A general contractor will hire subcontractors to do most of the work during your home remodeling in Charleston, SC.
Ask about these companies and find out who will oversee their work. Ideally, someone from the general contractor’s team should check up on them regularly.
Do You Have Proof of License and Insurance?
For safety and insurance purposes, you must work with a licensed and insured contractor. Ask them about the following aspects:
- Are they licensed to operate a business in South Carolina?
- Do they meet all the necessary Workers’ Compensation requirements?
- Is the company bonded and insured?
- Will they secure the required building permits on your behalf?
You can check whether your general contractor has an active license with the state licensing board. Remember to ask whether they work with subcontractors who meet the above criteria, too.
A reputable contractor will provide you with paperwork to back up their claims.
How Much Can I Expect to Pay?
You must discuss every aspect of payment before signing up with your chosen contractor. Misunderstanding the payment terms can lead to ongoing problems with your home renovation project.
It’s best practice to secure estimates from at least three companies, so you can compare costs. Once you’ve received these, be sure to iron out the following aspects before choosing a contractor:
What Does the Estimate Include?
Materials and labor are two obvious cost considerations during a home renovation. However, the quality of the materials used and the skill and experience of the tradespeople will impact these costs.
An estimate that is much lower than the others is an immediate red flag. A more expensive one might indicate extensive warranties, a more experienced contractor, extra services, or higher quality materials.
Extra services might include site clean-up, ongoing supervision, or assistance with achieving the necessary paperwork.
What are Your Payment Terms?
Getting caught off guard regarding the expected payment schedule can delay work and sour your relationship with your contractor. Be sure to ask how much they expect you to pay at each stage of the project.
Most contractors require payment as the work progresses, although some might ask for a portion upfront.
Can You Put a Buffer in the Budget?
Construction prices are volatile and material costs can escalate suddenly. Ask the contractors how they deal with these instances to ensure neither party ends up out of pocket.
Ideally, a contractor or new home builder in Mount Pleasant, SC, or Charleston, should put a buffer in the budget to compensate for price hikes. This amount is usually comprised of up to 10% of the initial estimate and acts as a safety net in the event of unexpected costs.
Do You Anticipate Any Challenges?
The best contractors will visit your home before compiling an estimate. This visit helps them better anticipate everything involved in the renovation and compensate for any unique aspects of your property.
One thing to consider is whether you’ll need to move out during the renovation process. This can impact your budget and every aspect of your daily life, considerably.
Find out if the contractor will take steps to protect your home while it’s vacant, or if you should make arrangements for additional security.
In many cases, a small renovation can grow out of proportion as one thing leads to another. While your contractor is inspecting your home, ask them if any single improvement will impact other aspects of your home.
For instance, installing a new patio might impact your garden’s landscaping, leading to additional costs.
You need to know every detail of the project before you get started. A kitchen or bathroom remodel can easily lead to a need for new piping and plumbing once the demolition process starts.
Ask your contractor if they can foresee any of these extra expenses before you get started. If you don’t have room in your budget for these extras, you could end up with an incomplete, unusable renovation.
Do You Provide Any Warranties or Guarantees?
Material quality and warranties can impact your budget as well as the outcome of your renovation. In most cases, it’s best to choose better-quality materials with long warranties.
Substandard materials that don’t last as long as anticipated will lead to dissatisfaction and extra costs later.
Even tried-and-tested materials can fail during your project, so it’s preferable if you have a warranty to cover you if this happens.
Work With a Reputable General Contractor in Charleston, SC
Now that you know how to get started with your home renovation in Charleston, all that remains is to put these tips into practice by contacting an experienced general contractor in Charleston, SC.
At CK Contracting, we’re well known for our excellent craftsmanship and service during home remodeling in Mount Pleasant, SC, and surrounds. We will gladly answer all the above questions and more.
We would appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with you on completing your dream home renovation. Get in touch to discuss remodeling your Charleston home at your earliest convenience.
