Choosing a Reputable Contractor for Remodeling Success... with Happiness

Expert Contribution by Alan Archuleta, Archuleta Builders

Remodeling your home can be a confusing, overwhelming and daunting process—and, it’s a big investment. Hiring a contractor who is reputable, dependable and skilled requires you to do your due diligence. It’s a pre-requisite to signing on that dotted line for your safety, expectation and wallet.

Start by asking around—talk to friends, neighbors and coworkers. Word-of-mouth referrals give you a chance to speak with customers who hired the contractors that you are vetting. Was the timeline generally adhered to? Was the family comfortable in their home with those who worked on the project? Was the project kept reasonably neat/organized? Were the homeowners happy with the end result? It also gives you the opportunity to ask if they would use the contractor again— an answer that speaks volumes.

Alan Archuleta, Archuleta Builders

There are a few things to keep in mind that should send up a red flag during the process of establishing the legitimacy of a contractor:

• If the contractor doesn’t have insurance and state-required licenses, walk away.

• If you are asked to sign something before you've decided to hire him or her, it’s a problem.

• Any contractor that requires cash or payment in full before starting work is not someone to be trusted--asking for a deposit after a contract is signed is common practice.

• If a contractor underbids all other contractors by a substantial amount, it should get you thinking that the work is wprobably shoddy.

• Don’t take the bait of the "today only/special" pricing offer. One word: scam.

• Beware of a contractor that can start right away—expect that he or she is busy and that you will join the waiting list.

• Contractors that are difficult to get in touch with--no office mailing address, phone number or email—is not a good sign.

• You should not be asked to handle obtaining the necessary building/remodeling permits. Contractors do that.

A good contractor can provide—and will be happy to provide—customer testimonials and references. Names, addresses and phone numbers of clients are a reasonable request that contractors should have readily available.

Lastly, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right to you, it’s probably not. You have to be comfortable with the choice you make. If you have reservations, take a time-out and regroup before moving forward.

Once you’ve zeroed in on who you would like to hire, request a detailed written contract, which protects both parties, that outlines the scope of the work, provides a fair payment schedule and complies with local, state and federal laws.

Ensuring you have all the right tools in place to help you make your decision, based on research and knowledge, will allow you to enter into your exciting remodeling odyssey with a good working relationship with your contractor—a key component to remodeling success with happiness.

Whether you are a homeowner, architect, or real estate investor, finding the right contractor is key to the quality and success of your renovation project. With attention to detail and a stylized eye, Alan Archuleta of Archuleta Builders archuletabuilders.com has been serving the area since 2008.

Alan is president of the Metropolitan Builders & Contractors Association of New Jersey and a member of the 2019 NAHB Remodelers Board of Trustees. His certifications include: Graduate Master Remodeler (GMR) Graduate Master Builder (GMB), Certified Green Professional (CGP) and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). Alan is also on the Board of Directors at Morris Habitat for Humanity.

973.986.6656 alan@archuletabuilders.com https://archuletabuilders.com

Archuleta Builders offers Custom Homes including Additions, Renovations & Remodels. Specializing in Kitchens, Bathrooms & Basements. Our mission is to create that perfect space you can call home.