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5 Tips on Finding the Right Contractor in Atlanta

Home improvements and additions add value to your home. If you have a remodeling project in mind, hiring a contractor might be your best choice especially if you’re not skilled in the DIY-department. Plus, failed remodeling will cost you a lot of stress and added expense to fix. But how do you find the best contractor?

Simply put, a contractor’s job is to provide expert knowledge plus proper planning and execution. To find the right contractor, make sure the contractor has the following:

  1. Local Business
    Having the contractor close by so that someone can easily be sent over if there is an issue with the remodeling is a great boon to going local. Furthermore, you can easily look up references, contact numbers, and license numbers.
  2. References and Reviews
    Ask friends and family who have done similar repairs or improvements if they have any recommendations. Additionally, real estate agents have numerous contacts in the industry and are happy to provide recommendations. No one is more reliable than someone who has had first-hand experience with a contractor .

    You can also check online reviews or visit Better Business Bureau to determine if there are any complaints against a potential contractor.

  3. Credentials
    The home repair business has a lot of scammers, especially following a major weather event in Georgia. In all states, contractors are required to have business licenses and insurance coverage. You should ask for the business license number and proof of insurance. You can also check out Georgia’s Secretary of State’s website to check if the contractor is registered. But keep in mind that roofers, painters, drywall contractors, and repair handymen are not required to have licenses in Georgia.

    You can also look for abbreviations in the license to make sure that your contractor follows a code of ethics or has a specialty certification. Take note of the following:

    • CGR (Certified Graduate Remodeler)
    • CAPS (Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist)
    • NAHB (National Association of Home Builders)
  4. Written Quotes and Documents
    Request a written quote for materials needed and labor fees. You can compare quotes from different contractors and choose the most cost-effective one. Remember, you get what you pay for.

    Insist on having written contracts for work performed and any other variables. Make sure the contract includes:

    • names of all parties or entities involved
    • detailed time frames
    • total cost and pay arrangements
    • contractor’s license number
  5. Proper Pay Arrangements
    Don’t give the entire payment before the project is even completed. Usually a down payment is enough at the beginning with the remaining balance paid off as the project continues or concludes.

Find out more about how home improvements and home staging tips that can help raise the value of your home and how to best market your home. Call the top realtors in Atlanta, Natalie Gregory and her team at 404-550-5113 or email at [email protected] today to learn more about Atlanta real estate.

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