Upgrading your dated exterior is a great way to breathe new life into your Utah home. But exterior remodeling isn’t just choosing the right colors, finishes, and materials. You also need to hire a qualified home exterior renovation contractor in Utah.
Whether you want a simple update or a major overhaul, hiring the right contractor makes all the difference. Pick the wrong one, and it could take your curb appeal for a toss, not to mention waste your money and time.
However, this simple guide can help you make the right choice.
Steps to Find the Right Exterior Renovation Contractor in Utah
Hiring a qualified exterior renovation contractor means investing in your home’s value and appearance. A professional ensures quality work, uses the best materials, and adheres to local building codes. This saves you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Here’s how you can find such a reliable contractor:
- Research and Referrals
Personal referrals are often the best way to find a reliable exterior renovation contractor. You can ask your friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations. But you can also search online for local contractors. Look for those with good reviews and a strong online presence.
The contractor you want to hire must have an excellent reputation. Check what customers are saying about them on websites like Yelp or the Better Business Bureau to get a feel of their reputation and reliability. Local online forums and communities are also where homeowners often share their experiences. Check these sources to shortlist a few contractors.
- Check Contractor’s Credentials
Hiring a licensed contractor for your exterior home remodel in Utah offers peace of mind. They are trained professionals who will make the changes or upgrades while adhering to the local building codes.
Besides, insurance protects you from liability in the event of accidents or damages during the project. Don’t shy away from asking the contractor for proof of both. Most reputed exterior renovation contractors will gladly share these details. You can verify their license on the state’s Division of Professional Licensing website.
- Go Through Their Portfolio
Most exterior remodeling companies in Utah have portfolios on their websites, making it easier to check their work. When going through a portfolio, look for projects similar to yours. This will help you understand if the contractor’s style and quality match your expectations.
That said, a varied portfolio indicates how versatile and experienced the contractor is. If you want to see their work in person, ask the contractor to arrange a tour of recent projects. Seeing their work firsthand helps you understand their attention to detail and the quality of materials they’ve used.
- Check the Contractor’s Reviews
Besides Yelp and BBB, you should check other online review platforms like Google Reviews, Houzz, and HomeAdvisor, which will shed more light on the contractor’s performance. But look for consistent feedback. Just like more than two-thirds of people (68%) don’t trust a high review rating unless you see a lot of reviews.
When checking the review, keep in mind:
- A few negative reviews are normal, but see how the contractor responds to them. It shows their commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Look for reviews that specifically mention the contractor’s communication, timeliness, and quality of work because these are critical factors in your decision-making process.
- Ask for and Check References
While reviews can help, you should also ask for references from past clients, which offer a more realistic view of what to expect.
When talking to their past clients, ask these questions:
- How is the overall quality of work?
- Did the contractor finish their work as scheduled?
- Did they communicate proactively?
- What exterior remodeling services did they offer?
- Were they able to handle any unexpected issues that arose during the work?
- How was your overall experience working with them?
Asking these questions should help you get an idea of the contractor’s punctuality, communication, and problem-solving skills, all of which are critical for a successful full-house exterior remodel.
- Consider the Contractor’s Experience
You would want to hire a contractor who has had years of experience in exterior remodeling in Utah. Ask how long they have been in the business and how many similar projects they’ve completed.
Experienced contractors offer a few unique benefits, such as:
- They can handle unexpected challenges efficiently, ensuring your project is finished without delays.
- They often have an established network of suppliers, which may help you fetch a better price on raw materials.
- They are familiar with local building codes, making it easy to get the permits for your exterior remodel.
- Know How the Contractor Communicates
You would want to work with a contractor who listens to your needs, explains their process clearly, and keeps you updated. When you speak with a contractor, pay attention to how responsive they are. Consider it a litmus test of how they’ll communicate throughout the project.
Keep in mind that proactive communication is critical because it:
- Helps prevent misunderstandings
- Ensures your vision accurately translates into reality
- Provides regular updates
- Quickly resolves any concerns or changes during the remodel
- Check the Contract Before Singing
Most exterior home remodeling contractors in Utah will require you to sign a contract outlining the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and any warranties, among other things. Make sure you understand every detail before you sign.
A clear, detailed contract protects you and the contractor by spelling out responsibilities and setting realistic expectations. Moreover, check the clauses related to changes in the scope of work and how the extra costs will be handled. But most importantly, be sure your contract includes a clause for final inspection and approval before the full payment is made.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Here’s a quick list of red flags you should watch out for when selecting a contractor:
- Avoid hiring a contractor who can’t provide licensing or insurance details.
- Don’t work with a contractor who isn’t willing to sign a written contract.
- Be wary of contractors asking for large upfront payments.
- Never work with a contractor who is hard to reach or unresponsive.
- Consistently poor reviews are a red flag, so avoid working with such a contractor.
Need Help with Your Exterior Remodeling in Utah
These quick tips can help you find a reliable exterior renovation contractor in Utah. Remember, a reliable contractor will help you finish your project without delays, overshooting your budget, or cutting corners. Your house deserves a beautiful curb appeal, so don’t settle for less when remodeling its exterior. Choose a contractor who will get the job done right the first time.
Ready to give your home a new look? BH Exterior Design can help. We are the go-to for all exterior remodeling services in Utah. Contact us to get started.
