Design: D2 Interiors

The first and most important step in building your dream home is finding the perfect contractor. A contractor helps you stay within your budget and on schedule, as well as minimizes stress and responsibility. Just like interior designers, contractors span different aesthetics, so carefully pick one that matches your style standards and personality needs. From building a relationship and writing a contract to what to pay upfront, see our best tips for hiring and working with the right contractor. 

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Finding and Hiring a Contractor
Working With a Contractor

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Finding and Hiring a Contractor

1. Build a Relationship​
Since you'll be spending a lot of time with your contractor, it's important to find someone you can easily collaborate and get along with, as well as communicate your ideas, goals, and concerns.

2. Determine Your Needs
Depending on time and budget, you can choose between a general contractor or sub-contractor. A general contractor is in charge of the project, while a sub-contractor is hired by a general contractor to work on different parts of the construction.

3. Investigate Local Contractors
Do your research! Finding a contractor who works nearby will make the building process that much easier. Ask friends in your community, search online, or get in touch with your city's building department.

4. Confirm Authenticity
As soon as you've found potential candidates, take the next step to verify their license on your state's website and ask for their insurance card. Once confirmed, you can go ahead and ask for their portfolio, as well as potential references to contact.

5. Narrow Down Your Options
Try to have at least three potential contractors in mind. The more options, the better. If one backs out or doesn't meet your requirements, you'll have a backup candidate.

6. Contact References
When you get in touch with references, ask them serious questions about the contractor's work and behavior, such as: Is this a person you would hire again? Did they stick to your schedule and timeline? Did you move in when expected? Were there any issues along the way? If so, how did they handle and resolve the problem? On a scale of 1-10, what was the quality of their work? Would you recommend them to family or friends?

7. Document and Discuss Details
To avoid any surprises during the project, create a written proposal that includes all of the logistics: a due date, invoices, labor, and anything else you expect from this building project.

8. Conduct the Interview
Get to know the contractor before making a final decision with an informal interview. Asking specific questions helps determine whether or not they will be a good partner. Things to think about: Do they have the same visions as you? Are you getting along? Is communicating with them easy and comfortable? Finish the interview by going over the written proposal one more time, as well as the process and any other minor project details.

9. Make the Final Decision
After the interview, sit down and review how it went. To help you make the final decision, write down the pros and cons of the candidate.

10. Create an Official Contract
If they're the perfect match, finalize the contract. What to include: timeline, budget, project bid versus hourly payment, changes throughout the process (also known as change order rules), warranty of quality workmanship (or expertise), and maintaining cleanliness of the jobsite.

Working With a Contractor

Design: D2 Interiors
http://www.wayfair.com/Shop-The-Look/Designer/D2-Interieurs-D4154

1. Establish a Good Line of Communication
Ask the contractor how they prefer to communicate and make an effort to be on the jobsite every morning before work begins. Try to meet with your contractor once a day to get progress updates.

2. Maintain a Project Journal
Record renovation project progress and make notes of issues and questions you want to bring up.

3. Get Everything in Writing
Note any communicated estimates or dates in writing to avoid disputes down the line. Track any changes as the project evolves.

4. Inspect the Job Regularly
After the crew has left for the day, be sure to check work and record any issues to bring up the next day. Pen any quality issues and compare actual work with blueprints.

5. Pay Only for Completed Work
Never put down more than 10 percent upfront, and only pay the remainder after you and your contractor agree the work is satisfactory and the job is complete.

6. Be a friendly and accommodating customer
The contractor will enjoy working with you if you are on time with agreed payments and compliment work you feel is worthy of praise. Small things like designating a bathroom that workers can use or serving them water on a hot day can make a difference if problems arise.

Get started with a contractor now using our flooring installation service. You select days that work for you, and a contractor will measure your floors and provide a site assessment. You can also check out potential flooring options with our selection of flooring samples.