Last year, Americans spent over 500 billion dollars to fix up their homes. Mortgages are expensive, making it worth it to remodel your older house instead of getting a new one.
The tricky part is finding a general contractor in Charleston, SC who can take care of your project while staying within your budget. You’ll have to do a lot of planning and calling around to find the right company for the job.
It’s recommended to meet contractors in person to ask questions and go over the contract before you hire them. Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for a few recommendations as well. Check out this guide to learn more.
Have a Project Plan
Before you start looking around for a new home builder in Charleston, decide on all the details of your project.
Potential contractors will view your plans and let you know if they can complete the job. The more details you have nailed down, the easier it will be for a contractor to give you an accurate price quote as well.
Get a Referral
A good way to get a list of potential contractors is to ask your family and friends.
If you don’t know anyone that’s had a home remodel, check out the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Members have to meet certain quality standards to join. They should be more than qualified to handle your project.
You can also talk to building inspectors in your area. They’ll be able to recommend a contractor that’s known for meeting building code standards and providing quality customer service.
Interview Multiple Contractors
When hiring a contractor, it’s wise to interview about three. Start with an introductory phone call.
Give them a brief description of your project and ask if they accept jobs of your size. Find out what subcontractors the company goes through and ask about their qualifications.
Learn how long the company has been fixing up homes. If they’ve been around for five years or more, that’s a good sign. They’ve most likely tackled several projects like yours before.
Meet in Person
The phone interview process should have allowed you to narrow your Charleston, SC contractor choices to one. Schedule an in-person meeting with them to discuss your project further.
They should be willing to hear you out and answer any questions you have in a professional manner.
Something to keep in mind is that your contractor is going to be in your home for several hours at a time until your project is complete. You need to be able to get along with them. If you get a bad feeling from them during your meeting, go with your gut and choose a different contractor.
Experience and Licensing
Again, it’s best to choose a company that’s been in operation for five years or more to ensure they have the experience necessary to complete your project.
You can go through your state’s labor office to find out if your contractor meets their licensing requirements. The labor office will also confirm the contractor’s insurance.
Go Over the Contract
During the in-person meeting with your contractor, they’ll write up the contract. It should include:
- The details of your project
- The contractor’s contact information
- Payment terms
- A policy on project changes
- Termination clause
- A list of permits the contractor needs to pull
Be sure to go over the contract and ask any questions before you sign your name on the dotted line.
Talk About the Payment Schedule
Every contractor is different but most require a downpayment before they begin work. It might be on the higher side, depending on the price of the materials needed.
Most contractors won’t ask you to put half down. If they do, that’s a sign they don’t trust you to pay.
Once you agree on a downpayment, work with the contractor to agree on a monthly payment schedule.
Be Sure Any Necessary Permits Are Included
Before you can have work done on your home, you’ll need to have the proper permits in hand. If you don’t, you may face fines later. You’ll also most likely run into trouble when it comes time to sell your home.
Most contractors won’t ask you to require the permits yourself. They’ll handle it and add it to the overall cost of the project.
If your contractor tells you they can’t obtain the permits, or they offer you a cheaper price to do the job without the proper paperwork, that’s a huge red flag.
Affordability Isn’t Everything
Price isn’t everything. If a contractor offers you a lowball price to complete your project, that may not be a good thing.
Chances are, they cut corners or use low-quality materials. You’ll have to schedule repairs within a few months, which is more money.
It’s better to pay top dollar for quality services from the start and enjoy lasting results.
Expect a Wait Time
Contractors are busy people. It could be months before someone can get to your project.
A busy contractor is a good sign. It means they do quality work that’s in high demand. If you can wait instead of starting your new home build contractor search over, you should do so.
How to Choose a General Contractor in Charleston, SC?
The information above will help you find the best general contractor in Charleston, SC.
If you’re looking for a company that meets all the criteria listed above, you’re in luck. We will transform your house into your dream home. Contact us to get started!
