Basement conversions are one of the most exciting home remodeling or renovation projects.
They take a dark, damp and barely-used space and transform it into a warm, comfortable and attractive center for family, friends and guests.
In the planning stages, your most important concerns may focus around color selections, furnishings or luxury features.
Don’t forget, however, that one of the most important decision of all is deciding who will be performing the finished basement remodel?
Do Your Homework Before Hiring A Basement Contractor?
The wrong basement contractor can take those remodeling dreams of yours and transform them into a big headache instead.
Hiring the wrong person can result in any of the following:
- Work that isn’t properly permitted
- Work that isn’t built to code
- Shoddy workmanship, including improper building techniques and/or the use of low-quality materials
- A project that runs irresponsibly over budget
- The list goes on…
By avoiding the following critical mistakes, you will benefit from a basement contractor who is licensed, professional, knows exactly what he’s doing and who completes the final basement conversion that you’ve envisioned all along.
Mistake #1: Not verifying whether a contractor is licensed, insured and bonded
One of the first steps in hiring a contractor is to check that they are licensed, insured and bonded. You may see a contractor’s license number on a business card, website or letterhead – but that doesn’t mean it’s current.
The same goes for insurance and bonding information, both of which protect the consumer should something go wrong.
Always verify this information before requesting a bid. You can verify whether a contractor’s license online or via your local building department. Click Here to access links and verify remodeling contractors’ license numbers in New York.
Also, ask for current proof of insurance and bonding. The “standard” is that professional contractors carry a general liability insurance policy for at least $1 million. The same is true for any subcontractor the general contractor (G.C.) uses.
Mistake #2: Not having a clear idea of the project’s scope and budget
The more clear you are on the project’s scope, the better idea your contractor will have of what you want – and what is possible.
Come up with a list of your “needs” and “wants”. This way, if your ideal “scope” exceeds your budget, the contractor can present a bid that includes all of the most important items. He can also write up a phased remodeling plan that incorporates any “wants” that strayed outside your budget so you can continue working towards your dream.
According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average basement remodel in 2015 cost $18,453.
If your budget is more limited that, you may need to shift the scope of your project so prospective contractors can bid accordingly.
Mistake #3: Choosing the contractor with the lowest bid.
If you’re shopping for a pair of brand-name jeans, or a particular vehicle, it makes sense to choose the one with the lowest price tag. Unfortunately, this method does not make sense when selecting a contractor. Unlike a product with a specific model number, comparing contractors can be like comparing apples and oranges.
The lowest bid often leads to a contractor who cuts corners, uses cheap materials, hires unlicensed and/or unqualified subcontractors or who uses “smoke and mirrors” bidding tactics and then ads the “real” costs – which jacks up the price – later on. Your home is one of your most important investments so saving a little money now isn’t worth the costs of repairs and replacement one, five and ten years down the road if the job isn’t done right the first time.
Mistake #4: Not checking references & online reviews
References can be a mixed-bag. For one thing, they are provided by the contractor, which means he’s cherry-picking which customers you speak with.
However, you can find out lots of information beyond, “We loved Jim. He did a great job,” if you know what to ask.
Ask references detailed questions about:
- Whether or not the project honored their budget.
- Timeliness and adherence to the projected construction schedule.
- How communication was handled.
- Attitude/professionalism of the contractor and subcontractors
- The quality of the finished product (including what repairs or corrections had to be made after-the-fact, if any)
The more detailed questions you ask, the more specific information you’ll receive and that can make all the difference in who you select.
Look for a balance between positive and negative reviews. Online review sites can be a complainer’s haven so ask the contractor about any reviews that concern you to hear his point of view.
Mistake #5: Not getting everything in writing
Make sure that every single thing you’ve discussed is included in writing, on a bona-fide contract, before signing and making a payment. If you feel like something is missing, or you don’t feel 100% comfortable,
The more detailed questions you ask, the more specific information you’ll receive and that can make all the difference in who you select.
Look for a balance between positive and negative reviews. Online review sites can be a complainer’s haven so ask the contractor about any reviews that concern you to hear his point of view.
Mistake #5: Not getting everything in writing
Make sure that every single thing you’ve discussed is included in writing, on a bona-fide contract, before signing and making a payment. If you feel like something is missing, or you don’t feel 100% comfortable, do not sign the contract until the issue(s) is resolved.
Looking For A Trustworthy Basement Contractor?
Look no further than GAMCO Remodeling. Of course we’re biased, but we truly believe that we can build the basement of your dreams. And we’ve got the experience to back that up.
So if you’re in Nassau or Suffolk County, contact us for more information. Or click the button below for a free in-home estimate – We’ll contact you to answer any questions and set up a meeting date.
