Irmo SC Home Remodel parent

Irmo, South Carolina, is a vibrant suburban town located just a few miles northwest of Columbia. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and strong community spirit, Irmo offers a blend of suburban tranquility and modern conveniences. The town is famous for its annual Okra Strut Festival, a lively event that celebrates the local heritage with a parade, live entertainment, and a variety of food vendors, drawing visitors from across the region. Irmo is home to excellent schools, part of the highly regarded Lexington-Richland School District Five, making it a desirable location for families. The area boasts numerous parks and recreational facilities, including the beautiful Irmo Town Park and Saluda Shoals Park, which offer residents a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.

8 Tips for Hiring a Contractor

1. Get Recommendations

Begin your search by asking friends and family for recommendations. Check with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of reputable members in your area. Building inspectors can also provide insights into contractors who consistently meet code requirements, according to Tom Silva, general contractor of This Old House. Additionally, visit your local lumberyard, which interacts regularly with contractors and can recommend those who purchase quality materials and pay their bills on time.

2. Do Phone Interviews

Once you have a list of potential contractors, make quick calls to each to ask the following questions:

Do they take on projects of your size?
Are they willing to provide financial references from suppliers or banks?
Can they provide a list of previous clients?
How many other projects do they have ongoing simultaneously?
How long have they worked with their subcontractors?

These questions will help you assess the contractor’s availability, reliability, attention to your project, and overall work ethic.

3. Meet Face to Face

From your phone interviews, select three or four contractors to meet in person for estimates and further discussion. A contractor should answer your questions confidently and make you feel comfortable. Effective communication is crucial as this person will be in your home for extended periods. Before making a final decision, check with your state’s consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau to ensure the contractor has no history of disputes.

4. Investigate the Facts

Narrow your list further by doing thorough research. Contact former clients to ask about their experiences and to see the finished project. Tom Silva suggests visiting a current job site to observe how the contractor operates. Look for a neat, safe, and well-organized site where workers are courteous and respectful of the homeowner’s property.

5. Make Plans, Get Bids

With your shortlist of contractors, it’s time to focus on your project. Provide a complete set of blueprints and a clear idea of your project goals and budget. Ask for detailed bids that break down costs for materials, labor, profit margins, and other expenses. Typically, materials account for 40% of the total cost, with overhead and profit margins making up the rest.

6. Set a Payment Schedule

Agree on a payment schedule before the project begins. A reasonable payment schedule can indicate a contractor’s financial stability and work ethic. For large projects, a typical schedule might start with 10% at contract signing, followed by three payments of 25% spread throughout the project, and the final 15% upon satisfactory completion.

7. Don’t Let Price Be Your Guide

Avoid choosing a contractor based solely on the lowest bid. According to Tom Silva, a low bid might indicate that the contractor is cutting corners or desperate for work, which is not a good sign. Comfort and communication are crucial. It’s better to spend more on a contractor you feel comfortable with and trust.

8. Put it in Writing

Draft a detailed contract that includes:

Payment schedule
Proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation payments
Start date and projected completion date
Specific materials and products to be used
A requirement for the contractor to obtain lien releases from all subcontractors and suppliers

A clear contract protects both parties and ensures a successful renovation.

By following these tips, you can hire a reliable and skilled contractor who will complete your home improvement project to your satisfaction.