A custom home addition is a major investment for any homeowner. Hiring the right contractor to do the job is an essential step. A good contractor will operate with professionalism, complete high-quality work, and help the homeowner realize their vision for their home. Hiring the wrong contractor can mean wasted money and time.
In this transparent guide to vetting contractors, we'll discuss what to look for in bids and proposals, how to gauge a contractor's readiness and quality of work, and provide insights into the home addition process. For more information about hiring a contractor to complete your home addition, download our guide to hiring a Connecticut contractor.
Why the Contractor Matters
Good contractors pay attention to craftsmanship, provide good customer service from start to finish, and help minimize the stress of building a home addition. Hiring a contractor with experience building home additions is particularly important.
Contractors with experience will have a process for handling complex construction projects. Businesses that have never built an addition before may have trouble staying on budget or finishing on time.
Research Potential Contractors
Start by making a list of contractors to vet for your home addition project. Some homeowners begin by researching businesses online. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Get referrals. Do you have a friend or relative who has hired a contractor to build an addition to their home? Ask them about their experience and whether they'd refer their contractor for your project.
- Look up the license. Never hire a contractor to do work on your home if they don't have the proper credentials. Contractors performing work in Connecticut are required to have a license to do work in the state. You can look up a contractor's license status on the state of Connecticut website.
- Consider years in business and related experience. Many contractors will mention their years in business and what kind of work they do on their website. Look up each contractor you're considering and explore their website to help determine fit.
Check the Portfolio
While you're on the contractor's website, check their portfolio. Most contractors provide portfolio pictures online so consumers can see the kind of work they do. While you're checking the portfolio, pay attention to craftsmanship and detail.
Know Which Questions to Ask When Meeting In Person
Meet with each potential contractor onsite to discuss your project. If possible, vet at least three contractors before making your selection. Have a list of questions to ask each contractor:
- Who will do the work? Employees or subcontractors?
- Do you provide design-build services?
- How long will the project take from start to finish?
- How often do you take on projects like this one?
- How do you communicate with clients?
- Will you provide a detailed contract?
- When could you get started?
- Do you have references?
- How would you handle permits?
Asking each potential contractor the same questions makes it easier to compare contractors. Having a list of questions will also help you gauge how well you and the potential contractors communicate with one another.
Compare Bids
Once you've met with a few potential contractors, they'll produce bids for your project. Comparing bids helps you establish reasonable expectations for costs and timelines. If one contractor dramatically underbids the other contractors, ask yourself why or how that contractor is planning to do the work for less.
Contractors that underbid may be using substandard materials, hiring unskilled labor, or underestimating costs. Either way, this can create a range of problems once the project is underway.
Check References
Once you've narrowed the list of contractors to one business, check references. Have a list of questions to ask when contacting references. Ideally, the references you call will have had similar work done on their home. Asking reference questions from a list will help these conversations go fast. Some questions to ask include:
- When was the work done?
- What challenges did you experience during this project, and how did the contractor manage those challenges?
- Would you hire this contractor again? Why or why not?
- Would you refer this contractor to someone else?
Before Signing a Contract, Review It Thoroughly
The contract is there to keep both parties on the same page. The contract should include the scope of work, payment schedule, start and completion dates, and change order information. If you're confused about any elements of the contract, ask questions before signing. If you and the contractor can't come to an agreement, you may need to keep looking.
Communicate Your Goals and Budget
Your contractor must know your goals and budget for your project. Communicate this information from the first meeting. A good contractor will respect the budget and work with you to stay within budget. If there are problems, a good contractor will also talk to you about why your goals can't be accomplished within the budget that you have to work with.
Know the Red Flags to Watch For
Not all businesses prioritize the best interests of their customers. Some red flags to watch for as you're vetting contractors include:
- Vague scope of work
- High down payment
- No license
Get Started With Your Home Addition
Your home addition can increase your home's value and make life in your house better for everyone who lives there. Start your project right by hiring the best contractor for the job. Download the Litchfield Builder's Guide to hiring a Connecticut contractor.
Litchfield Builders has helped hundreds of consumers improve their homes in Connecticut. To discuss your upcoming project with a trusted Connecticut contractor, contact us.
