1) Seek recommendations from your friends and family
When it comes to hiring a professional, we suggest starting by asking your friends or relatives if they can recommend someone. They’ll tell you whether or not they’re satisfied with their experience, giving you a better decision-making base. If they can recommend someone, you can ask them about the type of work they did, how long it took, and how much they charged, so you can estimate your budget and timeframe.
2) Check online reviews
If there’s no one available to give you a personal recommendation, don’t worry; there are many websites that can help you with this process. Clients rate their experiences on a scale of 1 to 10 or higher. A high rating indicates a good experience and quality work delivered on time. The easiest way to find these reviews online is Google.
TIP: Check the website or social media accounts of the professionals you’re considering, if they have one. This can give you better clues about the quality of their work and the types of designs they handle.
3) Interview Your Candidates
Once you have a list of multiple candidates, we suggest scheduling phone calls with them to gain a better understanding of their experience, expertise, availability, and more. Consider asking the following questions to get a better overall impression and find out which one is best for your project:
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Can you take on a remodel of this magnitude? Have you done it before?
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How many projects do you work on at the same time?
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Do you have references from past clients?
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Do you have the necessary permits or licenses? Are you insured?
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How long have you or your company been in business?
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How do you handle delivery delays?
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How much will you charge for this project and how long will it take to complete? Request a breakdown of the quote that includes materials, labor, and other expenses for a more comparable price.
If you also require qualified personnel such as plumbers or electricians, these phone interviews are a great opportunity to ask the professional about contacts they have in those areas. This will save you time and effort in finding them.
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4) Set a payment date.
Before signing any contract, it’s important to discuss payment terms with the professional to avoid surprises down the road. In some cases, the professional will require a down payment to begin work on your project; however, others will offer financing options and allow for scheduled payments throughout the process.
Although payment terms vary, here’s a common example:
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For large projects, you typically start with a 10% deposit at contract signing and three 25% payments spaced out throughout the project, with a final 15% payment when you see the work is complete.
5) Paper speaks
Once you’ve agreed on a payment schedule, you should prepare a contract that includes every detail of the project. This should include, but is not limited to:
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A bill of materials and labor costs.
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Penalties for the contractor if they fail to comply with the clauses.
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Those responsible for each stage of the project.
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Start and delivery dates.
This will ensure your protection and clarify the project details for everyone involved.
Finding the perfect professional for your bathroom or kitchen remodel can be a challenge, but if you follow these 5 tips, you’re sure to find the right person for the job quickly. Good luck!