Hiring a good general contractor is imperative when building a new home or renovating your current one. Whether this is your first renovation project or your hundredth, it can be overwhelming to choose the right person for the job! Luckily, we’ve put together the following guide to help point you in the right direction. Here are some things to keep in mind when searching for Charleston general contractors.
If you’re looking for the best Charleston general contractors, contact Team Lail-Chambers! Our experienced team of agents would love to chat with you about your specific needs, and we are happy to recommend some of the best builders in our area. For inquiries, give us a call today at 843-296-2546!
5 Pro Tips for Hiring Residential Contractors in Charleston, SC
1. Check Their Credentials
If there’s one thing you should prioritize when selecting a contractor, it’s making sure they are licensed! You can research this online by checking with the appropriate boards and the Better Business Bureau. It’s also a good idea to check for current client references to make sure they have good reviews. A qualified professional will typically have a great online presence with several excellent recommendations.
2. Ask for Recommendations
Another step you can take when searching for a contractor is asking your community for recommendations. Your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers can be an excellent source of information. Word-of-mouth should not be the only factor when selecting the right professional, however, it’s typically a good indicator. Our team of agents is always happy to share our suggestions for Charleston general contractors. Please feel free to contact us at 843-296-2546 with inquiries!
3. Interview a Few Candidates
A good rule of thumb is to interview at least three contractors, but we recommend interviewing even more. When it comes to spending your money on a big home renovation, you’ll want to make sure you are choosing the best qualified professional for the job! Schedule phone interviews with several different home repair contractors in Charleston, SC, and take detailed notes. Make sure to ask questions and request written bids. After your phone interviews, consider what each builder is offering. Does it line up with your ultimate goal? If so, schedule in-person interviews with your top choices.
4. Choose the Right Builder for the Right Project
While one builder may be an expert at plumbing, another might be more skilled at adding flooring, paint, and drywall to your home. If you’re working on a big home renovation, general contractors typically hire a team of skilled subcontractors to take on each individual project. For example, roofers and framers specialize in building the overall structure of your home. On the other hand, a mechanical contractor will be more skilled at installing plumbing, air conditioning, and heating. Make sure you ask which subcontractors will be working on your home and verify their credentials, too!
5. Review and Sign a Written Contract
When you are ready to make your final selection, it’s time to sign your paperwork. Like any other legal work agreement, this needs to be in writing! A good general contractor should present you with a detailed and professional contract that clearly outlines the work being done by each deadline. It should also include the specific materials being used, how much the project will cost, and when payment is expected. Once you sign the contract, you’re ready to begin!
Contact Team Lail-Chambers for All of Your Real Estate Needs!
Are you looking to buy or sell a home in Charleston, SC? Count on Team Lail-Chambers to guide you through the entire process with ease. Our agents have the knowledge and experience to assist you with staging your home, estimating your home’s value, or hiring the right contractor. When you choose to list your home with Team Lail-Chambers Real Estate, you are choosing to market your home to its best advantage! Let us take care of all the details so you can focus on the excitement your next move.
If you’re interested in purchasing a property in the Lowcountry, visit our website to see all available listings! We also recommend registering for a home search to be notified about new listings that meet your specific criteria. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us to begin your home search today. We look forward to assisting you!