Homeowners and future home builders are typically bubbling over with excellent ideas for renovations, home additions and construction projects. There is no end of possibilities for expanding space, improving functionality and more. Often the hardest part is finding a suitable contractor to take on the projects and realize your dream.

Alair Homes Maple Ridge is a reputable contractor working in the Maple Ridge region and has plenty of experience in all type of projects. This following article contains Alair Homes Maple Ridge’s top suggestions for finding a reputable contractor and getting work done right.

Slow Down

Planning home additions is an exciting project and having them constructed is even more so. But, in all the excitement it is crucial to keep a level head and address all the details before picking up the phone and ringing up your trustworthy general contractor for an estimate.

Never forget, you will be living in the home for quite some time so you can afford to do the job right. In this case, right means completing a full research of the project so you know what will be needed. Does this project involve extensive plumbing work? What about electrical projects? Calling your local building authority can provide you with more information on which permits will be needed

Find a Good Referral

After you know a bit about the project you have in mind, you can begin looking for a good recommendation from a friend or acquaintance. Begin by asking your friends and family if they have had any good experiences with contractors. It will be even better if you find one who has worked on a project very similar to your own. This way you will be more likely to find a contractor with the skills for your specific needs.

Ask About Specialties

Many people think that a single contractor will be able to address all the needs of a renovation of constructions with equal skills and efficiency. This is a misconception as there are as many specialties for a contractor as there are for a medical professional. For example, if you will be building and house from the ground up you will need the services of a custom home builder. Renovations and other work could be handled by a trustworthy general contractor.

Don’t Put Too Much Down

A top-notch contractor will have many projects and it can possibly take a few weeks before they will be free to begin work on your home. You may be asked to leave a payment to book the job, but this should be a nominal fee only and certainly not higher than $1500.

Stay Involved

This will be easy if you are living in the home that is being renovated. But if you are having work done on a distant location, you will want to be sure to stop by plenty to inspect the progress. Not only will this give you an intimate view of the project as it progresses, but you can also answer questions and give input that will increase the comfort and efficacy of the project when completed.

When the job is finished and completed to satisfaction, be sure to take the time to express this both to the contractor and the local community. Posting a review of the work you had done and the level of satisfaction you have received will make it easier for others to take advantage of a good custom home builder as well.