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us: (610) 594-2394
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us: (610) 594-2394
Choosing a remodeling company is the first step to transforming your home into a space you’ll love for many years. It’s also a pretty important step. Just as you wouldn’t want an inexperienced chef whipping up your anniversary dinner, you want a remodeler who knows their stuff. They should also be trustworthy, responsive and make you feel at ease.
To help you find “the one,” we put together this list of things to look for as well as red flags. You can also skip the search and give us a call at COCOON. As a design-build company that genuinely cares about our clients, we offer a simple and personal 3-stage remodeling process. We’ll work closely with you to create a space that truly reflects your personality, style and functionality needs while making the journey as convenient as possible for you.
Of course, this is a no-brainer. However, to get a full picture of a remodeler’s work, it’s best to get references from multiple sources and cross-reference them. Google, Yelp, Angi, HomeAdvisor and Houzz are just a few sources from which you can glean reviews. Of course, a personal reference from a friend or family member always tops these lists, but that’s not always available. When they’re not, the internet is your friend.
If you’re looking at a particular company, feel free to ask directly for references. Contact COCOON for our references. We are happy to share them! You can also check out our portfolio to explore some of the remodels we’ve done.
Again, all of the aforementioned websites are a good place to start if personal references are not available. The Better Business Bureau website is also a go-to for unhappy customers. Read the complaints carefully, not just the rating. Some complaints can be taken with a grain of salt, others are obvious red flags. For example, one 1-star rating for not receiving a call back among 50, 5-star ratings is most likely not a warning sign. On the other hand, a complaint about incomplete work is a major red flag.
With any large purchase, such as a car, you generally do not pay for 100 percent of the cost up front. You make payments. Home remodel projects are no different. Remodeling companies often offer payment schedules as work is completed, allowing you to pay as you go.
Since there are several stages to each project, your remodeler should request a reasonable down payment to start the project and then additional payments upon the completion of each stage. The payment schedule should be fair to you and the remodeler. It ensures that you are happy with the progress of the project and enables the remodeler to pay for materials and labor along the way.
This is another major red flag. Think about it. You don’t even pay for a meal until you’re finished. You don’t pay for repairs until they’re complete. You want to be sure that you are satisfied with the food or the repair work. While most remodeling companies require a down payment to begin work, they should not require one that is too large. Anything more than 50 percent is clearly a warning sign. If a remodeler asks for a large down payment, it’s as if they’re telling you that their time is more valuable than your money. It’s a bad way to begin a working relationship.
You should work with someone who wants to work with you! Look for a remodeling company that offers multiple ways to get in touch: text, email, office phone and mobile phone. This is a good sign! They want to be sure that you can reach them and in a way that is easiest for you. That’s not to say that you should always expect them to pick up on the first ring or text back in seconds, job sites can be loud and hands can be busy, but fast replies often come from responsible, responsive contractors.
At COCOON, we understand how important your remodel is and that you probably have some questions. We want our clients to always feel comfortable reaching out in whatever format works best for them. We’ll also keep you in the loop at every stage of your remodel; no wondering what’s going on or having to make guesses!
Playing hard to get might work in romantic relationships, but there’s no need to waste your precious time with a remodeler who does this. If they want your business, they’ll answer the phone, respond to questions and concerns, and propose solutions — and do so with a smile.
If a remodeler is hard to reach before they’ve even earned your business, it could be a sign that they don’t need or want your business. Don’t chase. There are plenty of fish in the sea, and there are plenty of well-qualified, reasonably priced remodeling companies that would be happy to do business with you.
A good attitude is key for a few reasons. First, you put a lot of money into your renovation, and you want it to be done right. Also, you’re going to have questions. A good remodeler is ready to answer any questions you have at any point during a renovation.
The second reason? Surprises. Home remodels often have at least one surprise. A remodeler never really knows what’s behind the walls until work starts, but they should know how to handle any surprises. If they’re calm about a surprise, it shows they know how to deal with it and have the resources to create a solution.
Finally, your remodeler’s attitude is especially important if you are home during any of the work. It’s much easier to share your home with people who are easy to be around. Better still if they whistle while they work.
Why does this matter? Granted, you don’t need the Kevin Hart of contractors, but this is someone who will be in your house for quite some time. If you are home during some of their work, it helps to be around someone who can crack a smile.
Hiring someone without a license is like waiving your right to an attorney in court. Not a good idea. To ensure the best possible job is done, you want to work with someone who is licensed in what they do. While many states require a state license for plumbers, electricians or even general contractors, Pennsylvania does not. Instead, each municipality has its own requirements.
Whether you’re in Media, King of Prussia, Glen Mills, Berwyn, Exton or any other town in the Philly suburbs, you should check with your city about its requirements for your specific remodeler. Cities also have specific building codes contractors need to follow. For more on electrical code, check out our post on electrical plans for a home remodel.
Once you know what your city requires, ask your remodeler up front for their license number. If they can’t provide one, look elsewhere. Better safe than sorry.
Things can go wrong even on the best of jobs. That’s why every home improvement company should have insurance. Home remodeling is a physically demanding job, so your remodeling company should protect its workers with liability and workers’ compensation insurance that can cover them should anything go wrong. Unexpected live wires or rotting wood can create dangers for workers that they may not have anticipated.
Ask your remodeler for a copy of their proof of insurance. If they don’t have insurance, you’re at risk of paying more if any accidents or unforeseen damages occur. Your home insurance should not have to cover that. Your remodeler’s insurance should. If they don’t have it, steer clear and keep looking for a better company.
What’s better than a remodeler who answers questions and responds to concerns? One who anticipates your questions and has a plan in place to ensure your satisfaction. One who gets to know you.
Proactive customer service takes many shapes. Here are a few ways a remodeler can provide a pleasant, comprehensive customer service experience:
Of course, answering questions and responding to concerns is always a good thing, but a great remodeler, however, should do more than just react to what you say. Home remodeling is not a one-way street. They should ask you questions as well. It’s the only way to ensure that your remodel meets your expectations.
As any good attorney will tell you, get it in writing. A good remodeling company will provide an agreement with a description of services, a schedule of services, an estimated cost of services and materials, and a schedule of payments.
Unfortunately, some remodeling companies think a handshake is good enough to get the ball rolling. Any remodeler that won’t provide a written contract of your services, or acts unprofessionally in any way, doesn’t deserve more of your precious time and energy.
Home remodeling is exciting! It’s worth choosing a design-build firm or remodeling company that is thrilled to bring your vision to life, respects your home, and treats you and your family like close friends. That’s what we’re all about at COCOON. We won’t just bring expert workmanship to your remodel — we’ll guide you through your home’s transformation, stage by stage, to make sure the experience is simple, personal and uplifting.
Whether you’re seeking a trustworthy remodeling company to reinvent a whole floor or your whole home, we got you! With our home base in West Chester, we proudly bring design-build remodeling services to homeowners throughout the Philly suburbs. Contact us today to reimagine your home the COCOON way!
