Fort Myers, FL – First Step to Choosing a Contractor for Your Renovation Project

Hiring a general residential contractor in Fort Myers to remodel your dream kitchen or renovate your master bath can be an anxiety producing project. At Stone and Tile from Portugal, we want to help you by laying out a pathway to eliminate those contractors that don’t fit what you need, so you can confidently hire a contractor to provide exactly what you need for your home improvement project.  So here’s the first step: It all starts with a simple phone call. Call around six contractors and ask some questions before you even set up an appointment to discuss a proposal. During the call, you should ask some of the following questions:

Do you take on projects similar in size to what I am looking for?

Some companies aren’t equipped to handle a multi-room renovation or a full home remodel, while others won’t take on smaller-scale projects like installing a tile backsplash or simply replacing sink faucets. So weed out the residential contractors who simply aren’t right for your project.

Will you provide us with a contact list of previous clients who would refer you?

Reputable companies should have a number of clients who would be willing to share their opinions about a job well done. If not, or if the company balks when you ask, think twice about hiring them. 

How many other projects would you have going at the same time?

Busy can be a good sign. But when renovation companies spread themselves too thin, quality can suffer. Make sure any company you consider knows its limits and plans work accordingly. It may also tell how long you’ll have to wait before your project can start or be completed. Well regarded contractors may have a weeks-long waiting list, and that’s not a bad sign. But make sure to ask this question to manage your own expectations. Keep in mind that delays may also be the fault of the suppliers not the contractor. 

If applicable, how long have you worked with your subcontractors?

Most home renovation companies use subcontractors for portions of the project, especially for things like plumbing and electrical work. Find out how long the contractor has worked with their preferred subcontractors so you can rest assured there’s an existing relationship, and the contractor will take responsibility for the work of those they are bringing in. 

The answers to these questions should help you narrow your list. They’ll also tell you about each company’s availability, reliability, how much attention they’ll give your renovation project and how smoothly the work will go.