Looking for renovation companies, but afraid of choosing the wrong one and becoming the next horror story on reality TV?
There are plenty of reputable renovation companies out there, though you may have to sift through quite a few others before you find them. Here are a few tips to keep you on track.
As the real estate market rebounds again, there are many new renovation companies sprouting up as well as old hands getting back into the business. Don’t just take someone’s word for it that they have been in business for the last ten years. Find out where they have been and what projects they have done in the last 5 years when things were bad.
It should go without saying that skimping on a cut rate company can be dangerous. Make sure there is a licensed General Contractor and that their license is still good. Check insurances too; otherwise, you could be sued for any workers getting injured on the job and be stuck if work isn’t permitted or done to code.
Even if the company looks great, make sure you verify the identity of anyone you are dealing with. In one recent case in Florida, two men were found to have been portraying themselves as working for a firm and pocketing money when they had no relation at all.
Never just rely on typed testimonials on a website. Contact references, see if you can go see some of their work first hand, and Google both the company and the owners. Some unscrupulous contractors will just change company names when things go bad.
