Despite what you may want to believe, not all Atlanta remodelers are the same. In fact, we would never recommend you use the first home improvement contractor on a list of options near you. That said, we also know how hard it can be to find the right contractor for your home’s remodel or renovation.
Of course, these days everyone wants things done now, or better yet – yesterday. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be tempting to jump right in with a home improvement contractor that seems good enough. This is especially true if you want the job done quickly. However, you should take care to research any Atlanta home improvement contractors you’re considering for your home’s makeover. Even if it means adding some time to your project completion.
If you’re ready to take your home from meh to wow, and are looking for a nearby kitchen remodeler, we’ve got you covered. Read on to see just how easy wading through the available Atlanta remodelers near you can be, so you can get your project underway sooner than later.
1. Ask for Referrals
Word of mouth is always going to be a good place to start when seeking out reputable Atlanta remodelers. People love to share their experiences, whether good or bad, with everyone they know. By asking friends and family for a home improvement contractor referral, you’re likely to get an honest opinion.
In addition, you might consider asking professionals you network with such as:
- Real estate investors
- Fellow property owners
- Real estate agents
- Property accountants and lawyers
Also, reach out to your general contractor. If you are looking for a local, experienced kitchen remodeler, your general contractor or handyman might have some connections. Just remember, any advice you get should be taken with a grain of salt. Someone else’s experience is not necessarily going to be yours. You’ll want to make sure you continue your research before making a final decision.
2. Check Licensures and Certifications
If you discover a home improvement contractor near you that you want to use, always check their licensures and certifications before hiring them. Any company that claims to be a contractor must be authorized to do business in your area.
Not to mention, you’ll want to hire the best of the best. Home improvement contractors that care about the quality of work they perform will take the time to hone their skills.
For instance, if you’re looking for an experienced kitchen remodeler, here are some of the most credible associations they may be a part of:
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)
- National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)
- National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB)
3. Look for Unresolved Complaints
The Better Business Bureau’s website makes it easy for anyone to perform a little bit of research on a company. Before deciding to use a home improvement contractor near you, visit the BBB’s website for complaints made against them that haven’t been resolved.
Additionally, check out the company’s social media profiles like Facebook and Twitter. Many times, people will take to social media to share their thoughts on a company. Sometimes the reviews are raving, while other times the reviews are negative.
Of course, there are always going to be two sides to every story. But knowing that a company has a lot of complaints against them can help you decide whether they’re a good fit or not.
4. Ask for References
Another great strategy for weeding through nearby Atlanta remodelers is to ask for references. Once you have a solid list of potential contractors, ask to see a portfolio of work. Any qualified company that is proud of the work they perform will have a large portfolio of recent clients that you can talk to.
At the very least, the portfolio will highlight the work that was completed so you can view the final project and even get an idea of what it’s going to cost.
5. Seek Out Tenured Atlanta Remodelers
When it comes to home remodeling services, experience is key. Of course, there are always going to be new up-and-coming home improvement contractors hitting the market. But when it comes to increasing the value of your investment property, you’ll want to go with a company that has been around for a while.
This won’t guarantee perfect work. However, it will assure you that the contractors on your project have the experience needed to make your home renovation amazing. Better yet, the more experience your contractor has, the better things will be if there’s a problem mid-project.
6. Look Online
If you run a simple Google search for nearby Atlanta remodelers, you’re going to see a ton of results. This can become overwhelming and cause you to want to pick the first contractor you find and get on with your project.
That said, if you know where to look online, you can narrow your choices significantly and make an informed decision:
- Online Review Sites: 84% of people trust online reviews as much as their friends and family. So, it makes sense to look to sites like Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List for real-life testimonials left by past customers. Again, people love to share their experiences. The information you get from popular review sites can help you narrow your list of options and find the home improvement contractor that’s best for your property.
- Glassdoor.com: if you really want to learn about a company, check out Glassdoor.com. This website allows current and past employees of a company the opportunity to share their experiences. The way a company treats its employees will tell you a lot about how they treat their customers.
Lastly, you should check out the official website of any local home improvement contractor you’re considering. All qualified companies will have a website available that is fully transparent. On it, you should look for things like services, contact information, and availability. Not to mention, there should be plenty of high-quality images throughout the site showcasing the company’s best work for customers to see.
7. Interview Prospective Contractors
One of the last things you should do before deciding on a home improvement contractor is to conduct an interview. It is during this interview that you will find out things like:
- Project estimates
- Expected timelines
- Number of crew members
- Licensure and certifications
- Amendment processes
- Contract type
- Guarantees or warranties in place
- Permit pulling processes
Try not to meet with more than three contractors while making a final decision. If you interview too many contractors at once, you’ll confuse the estimates and services provided and won’t be able to make a sound decision.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to take your investment property to the next level by giving it a full home makeover? If so, contact us today and see how we can help.
At Halcyon Remodeling, we aim to transform your property into a valuable asset that will generate a higher ROI. From countertops to cabinets, appliances to full kitchen redesigns, we’ve got the skill and experience needed to transform your property.
We are a fully licensed contractor that will pull permits, offer work guarantees, and finish on time – every time – so you can enjoy the benefits your brand new renovation brings to your bottom line.