Luiz Phillippe Gomes Rubini

Choosing the best contractor

Homeownership is a major investment and one that requires the right contractor to make your dream home a reality. Whether you are looking into a major renovation of the bathroom or age in place remodeling or painting kitchen cabinets, you need the right contractor to get it done.

" The contractor you hired can make a world of difference in the results. Get the right one and save yourself from stress, money and time. Not only that, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with every job done. Get the wrong one, and watch everything end in disaster, delay, subpar performance, and even some legal problems. You need to carry out due diligence to avoid this, says Luiz Phillippe Gomes Rubini, a renowned building contractor and overseer of different construction projects.

To choose the right one, explores tips to make the right choice in choosing a contractor to work on your .

Ask for recommendations

You can never go wrong with word of mouth and this is your sure bet for getting a good contractor. Asking for referrals from friends and families who have used a contractor for a kitchen you admired or a home that seems to match what you wanted cab sometimes be the right thing to do. These people can provide you with every detail on the contractor's professionalism, quality of work, pricing and tips that can help you while working with the contractor. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry also has a list of contractors in your area or you can simply do a google search of reputable contractors.

Check for licenses and permits

This is one important factor that should be at the forefront of your search. You want someone that has what it takes in terms of education, licensing and experience to be a contractor. "License and permit demonstrate that the contractor is qualified to handle the job and in compliance with the local building requirements. While unlicensed contractors might tend to charge less, don't fall for it. It might end up making you happy and even lead to fines if the building doesn't meet the requirements code, Luiz Phillippe Gommez says. You want someone that is trustworthy, licensed and insured, skilled and experienced. If your contractor meets all the requirements, it's time to go ahead.

Check out the work samples

Another thing is to read reviews and testimonials to see what previous clients have got to say. A reputable contractor should have a digital presence where their information and reviews are only a google away. You can also ask for samples to see if their area of specialization is what you want done and how it turned out. One other thing you wouldn't want to take for granted is on-site investigation. Go to the site they are currently working on, check out the quality of materials they use, how they work and how they handle the property.