How To Choose A Contractor

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Design by Christine Gee with G-Interiors.

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Design by Christine Gee with G-Interiors.

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For almost four years now, our family-owned business Black Door Renovation has performed some of the largest, most complex and most luxurious remodels and home additions in Southlake, Westlake, Keller, and the rest of northeast Tarrant County. It seems like we have fielded every question under the sun about the remodeling process and the industry in general. But one question that comes up more than any other is, “What is the best way to choose a contractor for my home renovation?” 

The reality is that there are lots of reputable tradesmen and contractors that operate in Southlake and the surrounding area, and almost all of them approach the sales and design process a little differently. It’s hard to know as a homeowner, especially one who has never done extensive remodeling, what the best approach is to interview and select the company that will do the work inside your home. 

We would recommend the following four steps as a very effective foundation to select a renovation company to work with:

1. Begin with the end in mind: forming a trust-based partnership with a reputable company

The most important factor to a successful remodeling job is trust between client and contractor. Make sure the companies you hire are trustworthy first and foremost. So make sure you know the reputation of the contractors.

Also, make sure you call references. Ask prior clients about the good and the bad of working with the company you’re interviewing. Most of all, ask them how the contractor fixed the problems that arose.

Because here’s the thing, problems ALWAYS come up in renovation. There’s never been a perfect job. But the measure of a good contractor isn’t a perfect job, but rather, does the contractor strives for excellence, and when they miss that mark, do they make it right? That’s the whole game – figuring out which company is going to stick with you until you’re satisfied.

2. Ask for a fixed price, not an estimate or cost-plus.

Make sure that the company you’re hiring has a good process to develop a fixed price for your scope of work. Do not start your project with an estimate or a promise to bill you “cost-plus” – these situations invariably lead to arguments over budget, scope and payments. Not exactly what you want when your home is torn up, your family is displaced and you’re ready to have your house in order.  

3. Hire a company to develop a comprehensive scope of work and let them take the time to bid correctly.

If you’re doing an extensive remodel on your home, especially if the job involves adding square footage, there is information the contractor has to know before they can give you an accurate fixed price. For instance, if we are doing an addition or a guest house, we have to hire a building designer and two civil engineers at a minimum to even get accurate pricing on framing and foundation numbers. 

That costs money, and a good company is going to ask for a deposit to start that work if you don’t have those documents in hand already. Be prepared to commit to that company at least through the planning and pre-construction phase so that the company can get you pricing that they can stand behind.

4. Interview multiple contractors, but don’t get competing bids.

I know, I know, this sounds counterintuitive and probably goes against everything your parents taught you about price shopping. Here’s the thing though, hiring a company to gut and renovate your home is a little different than shopping for flour, shoes or cars. It’s much more about a relationship with the contractor, and remodel services are ANYTHING but commoditized. 

Lots of folks, when they start this process, initially think they want to get multiple bids on their project. But in our experience, most customers say that price isn’t the most important factor in making their decision. Multiple bids aren’t helpful at all in evaluating contractors’ trustworthiness. It isn’t helpful in understanding the preconstruction process. It isn’t helpful in evaluating professionalism, the strength of the organization, or reputation. It’s ONLY helpful in understanding price. 

Instead of seeking the lowest price, focus on value. What are you buying for your money? What level of professionalism and trustworthiness does the company bring? How solid are their corporate processes? How is their reputation in the community? As with most services we spend money on, the lowest price is rarely the best value. 

Now, we would be lying if we said that there aren’t other approaches to the remodeling process that can be effective. But we have found that the process outlined in these four principles tends to lead to the best outcomes for our clients and our company and sets these complex remodel jobs on the road to success.

We want everyone in Southlake to have a wonderful experience throughout their renovation, no matter whether you hire us or another remodeling company. If there is ever anything we can do for you and your family, don’t hesitate to call.