Renovations: Houses for Sale in Emerald Isle, NC

Updating Your Vacation Home

Whether you’re rebuilding, remodeling or repairing your coastal home, or you’re just looking to add some value to your home, choosing a reliable home contractor is a crucial first step! But… how do you know which local vendors are good… and which are just full of empty promises? Here’s how to find a reputable Crystal Coast contractor!

Know Your Contracting Types

Not all contractors do the same thing. In fact, there are a few different types, like General Contractors, who oversee all aspects of an improvement project (including hiring and supervising subcontractors), Specialty Contractors, who only build or install certain products such as decking or bathroom or kitchen renovations, or flooring, and Architects, who handle the design.

Do Some Research

Don’t just hire the first contractor who pops up on your Google search… talk to friends or family in the area who’ve used local contractors. Check online ratings and reviews. Do some reading up on particular companies, like how long they’ve been in business, what qualifications or licensing they hold, and what previous projects they’ve worked on. Or, better still, contact me for my contractor recommendations.

Hold Some Interviews

Once you’ve identified a few contractors/handymen in mind, it’s time to make some phone calls and ask some questions! You’ll want to get pricing estimates, ask about projects similar to yours they’ve completed, and maybe even get a list of references.

Other good questions to get answers for are:

• What permits will be required for your project?

• What types of insurance they carry?

• Will any subcontractors be hired?

Determine Payment Options

While you’re talking to contractors, you will also want to ask about your payment options. Be wary of contractors who ask you for cash-only transactions or who require large down payments. Try to pay as little as possible up front and arrange for additional payments to be made as the work is completed satisfactorily.

Other Tips for Working with a Contractor

Just because you’ve got a great local builder, doesn’t mean the work is sure to go smoothly. Here are some other tips for making the home building or repair process as stress-free as possible:

Get It in Writing: Make sure all promises are delivered and at the date they were promised! Get everything in writing, from names and contact information to materials that will be used to timelines and completion dates.

Ask What’s Included: Find out what the contractor will and won’t do, like trash removal and basic cleanup. If possible, as for a Broom Clause to hold the builder accountable for damages and cleanup.

Keep Records: Any time you talk to your builder, make a payment, or have any issues, make sure it’s recorded.

Wait on the Final Payment: Don’t sign an affidavit of final release or make any payments until the work is 100% complete to your 100% satisfaction and all terms of the contract have been fulfilled.

Need Some Crystal Coast Contractor Tips?

Are you searching for a contractor on the Crystal Coast in hopes of making some improvements to your home ? Then it’s time to contact me on my website at www.EIHomesforSale.com for my Guide to Making Home Improvements. This Guide will connect you with reputable local contractors and builders, plus give you some tips on the questions to ask when interviewing prospective contractors. Or, text me your email address to: 919-308-2292. Give me a call today!