As you collect names of suitable renovators, you need to think about how you will judge the renovators you choose to interview.
Presentation. Professional renovators operate in a
business-like manner. They respect your schedule and show up for
appointments on time. They present themselves well, are organized and
deal with your questions and concerns directly. They earn your
confidence because they follow through on promises - if they say they
will call you back tomorrow, they do. How a renovator deals with you
before a contract is signed tells you a lot about how you can expect to
be treated once the job begins.
Communication. Renovation is a "people business"
and good renovators are good listeners and communicators. Professional
renovators must "translate" your ideas and goals into a workable plan
and a pleasant experience. This requires a solid working relationship
and good rapport. If you're not comfortable with renovators you
interview or don't feel you can communicate with them effectively, you
should keep looking to find the right person for your job.
Skills and experience. Renovating a home can be a
far more complex task than building it in the first place. It takes
years of experience in the business before most renovators are ready to
manage a major project on their own. It also involves a lot of different
types of work, some of which require specialized expertise. Whatever
the scope and nature of your project, your renovator needs to have solid
experience with that type of work.
Professional reputation. Established renovators
will provide you with references from previous customers, and in fact,
you shouldn't even have to ask for them. They also work with a network
of other businesses within your community-banks, material suppliers and
trades. It's a good idea to ask a renovator for references to any of
these people to find out about their reputation within the industry
itself.
