It’s time to renovate your house. While you may be looking forward to the end product, few people enjoy the renovation process. Renovating can be busy, messy, and generally difficult. However, it can also add value, safety, and enjoyment to your home. By choosing the right home renovation company, you can ensure that your home renovation runs as smoothly as possible. How can you make the right choice? 

1. Ask About That Deal

Have you ever bought a printer, only to discover that the reason it was offered at bargain basement prices was because all of the components of the printer were about to be discontinued? If a company is offering a loss leader discount, ask questions about that discounted item. Research to see whether it’s high quality or whether the company is trying to offload old stock that doesn’t work as well as their new products. If you find that the company and the product both have a reputation for high quality, you can then purchase the deal. 

Sometimes, the best deal is the one that seems like no deal at all. Investing in the long-term wellbeing of your home and paying money up front can seem expensive, especially if you don’t have a problem right now. For example, replacing your older gutter system with seamless gutters and gutter covers can seem expensive if your gutters haven’t quite gotten to the point that you’re desperate to replace them. However, completing a renovation before it’s overdue is an investment in the longevity of your home and can prevent serious damage, such as foundation leaks. 

2. Look for Local Experience and Training 

You know that you want to find an experienced company, but you want a company with local experience as well. If you’re working with a company that’s new to your area, consider whether the company understands how to work with your local conditions. This could include real estate market conditions as well as the local weather. Are the employees certified or trained in the specifics of how to install your new decking or patio awning? 

Make sure that the company you work with offers you well-trained, locally-experienced employees.

According to This Old House, you should “check in with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of members in your area” and talk with local building inspectors to discover what companies are doing the best work.

3. Ask Questions About the Product 

When you’re talking with prospective renovation companies, you should ask questions about their products and how the products could be helpful to your home. For example, if you’re trying to decide between roofing options, your renovation specialist should be able to talk about the pros and cons of each product and how it relates to the specific situation at your home. That person should be willing to talk about the drawbacks of specific products as well, helping you find the best fit for your home. 

4. Talk to Others About the Company 

Make sure that the company you work with has an exceptional track record in the community. You not only want a product that works, you want a company that works well for you. Ask for references or look online to answer the following questions:

• Can the company complete a project on time? 
• Are projects usually within budget? 
• How prompt is the company in responding via phone or email? 
• Is the billing quick and honest? 
• What happens if you have a problem with the work? 

Look at the company’s paperwork credentials as well. According to Popular Mechanics, “having a license and insurance demonstrates a contractor’s credibility and knowledge.” Working with those who don’t have insurance can be dangerous to you if they get hurt on your job site.

5. How Well Do the Employees Conduct Themselves? 

You want an excellent product, but you also want the process to be relatively painless. In addition to the company as a whole, you should look at how well the individual employees conduct themselves. Are they on time for the estimate? Do the employees seem presentable, polite, and capable? Ask who will be doing the renovation, and look online to see whether the company’s employees get good reviews. Go with your gut on this one; if you feel like the employees are not doing good work or are exaggerating the work that they’ve done, it’s best to quit before you get into the project.

At Harry Helmet, we’re proud to have worked with Americans on their gutter renovation needs since 1981. When you’re looking for reliable seamless gutters and gutter covers, look to Harry Helmet. Contact us to schedule a free estimate.

Written by Del Thebaud