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Create a more attractive and enjoyable living space by investing in home renovations. A dated kitchen can make the entire home feel out of fashion, and an unfinished basement can provide you with countless possibilities. When it’s time to hire a renovation crew, you’ll want to work with a reliable company that will deliver quality work and meticulous results. Here are a few tips to help you find the right contractor for any type of project.

Licensed and Insured for Your Protection
It’s important to remember that proper insurance is in place for your protection. In addition to ensuring that any accidental damage to your home will be covered, it also protects you from lawsuits in case a worker is injured while on your property. Many people insist on insurance for this reason. The license is obtained through the state, and it serves as evidence that the company is legitimate, properly registered with the state, and prepared to work on your project.

References and Portfolios
Most legitimate contractors take pride in their work, and they’re happy to show you pictures of other jobs they’ve done. Rather than simply accepting a contractor at his or her word that they’ve worked on jobs similar to yours, ask to see a portfolio. You can also ask for references so that you can personally speak with former customers. It will take a little time to go through these steps, but it’s the easiest and most effective way to ensure that you’re working with a skilled contractor who can get the job done.

Contracts and Expectations
Find out what the timeframe is for starting and finishing a job. Have the dates written into the contract. You may also consider outlining what steps will be taken if the project falls too far behind schedule. Home renovations are an asset to your property, but they can become overly stressful if the work drags on for a long period of time. Many contractors will ask for 50% or the payment for materials in advance. This is to protect them against losses from cancellations, and it’s standard practice in many areas. However, the balance should not be paid until the work is completed and you’re satisfied with the results.

Before you decide on a company, you can take meet with several contractors to review the project and get your free estimate. You can compare the rates, expectations, and customer service offered by every company so that you can choose the right contractor for your particular project.