How to Find the Right Contractor to Build Your Dream Home Addition

After considering your various options for months, you have finally come to the conclusion that building a new home addition is the wisest choice, given your budget and your needs. But how do you go about beginning the process of finding a contractor that you can trust and rely on? First of all, ask around. Get references from friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors.

Perhaps a couple down the street recently got a new patio and a kitchen extension put in – even better! You will get to examine the quality of the work firsthand.

Second, it is always a wise idea to consult with a few different contractors. House additions are not a small job or investment; you will want to make sure that you find someone who can deliver top-quality work. How do you determine if a contractor is honest, ethical, and efficient?

Here are a few fundamentals to begin with:

Find out if they are licensed to operate in your state or region, and ask if they are bonded and insured. If any accidents happen during the construction, you should not be held liable for the costs involved.
Ask about a mechanic’s lien. Sometimes, house additions are completed by your main contractor subcontracting out various parts of the job. Under the mechanic’s lien law in some states, if you pay your contractor but, for example, they do not pay the electrician, that electrician may place a lien on your home. This renders you liable for the cost of their work.
Can the contractor provide you with examples of similar projects or house additions that they have completed? If you get the opportunity to talk to other clients of theirs, be sure that you do. What better way is there to find out if a contractor is going to deliver on what they promised?
Find out how many other projects the contractor will be working on simultaneously in addition to yours. Home additions can be rather disruptive to your living situation, so you do not want it to drag out any longer than necessary.
Ask for a timeline. Can the contractor provide you with a fixed start and end date? If they are conscientious, experienced, and efficient, they should not hesitate in this regard. Be wary if a contractor begins to beat about the bush or give you vague, non-committal answers.
Finally, be sure to obtain itemized lists of expected costs, and check how much down payment is required of you. If your contractor has a steady work and cash flow, you should not be expected to foot large costs upfront.

If you keep these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to finding a contractor you can rely on to and is capable of building high quality home additions. At Integrity Contracting our business is built on accountability to our clients and quality work; we are also bonded and insured. Do not hesitate to consult with us!

Integrity Contracting is known for quality work, honesty and professional results that increase value to our customer’s properties. We know we can provide you with answers and solutions to your projects needs; we are qualified, licensed professionals – proven & trustworthy – who always deliver projects on time and on budget. We specialize in Home Additions, Framing, Basement Underpinning, Demolition and Excavation. Visit us on Google+.