What to Look for When Hiring a Contractor for your Exterior Home Project

Finding a Reputable Contractor can be Difficult

You love your home, and you should! It’s a big investment, and you’ve put a lot of work into it. But every so often, it needs some work like a new roof, windows, or siding. Those are the types of jobs you don’t want to do yourself. And that means you need to hire a contractor, even though there are a lot of horror stories that make you worry. Shady contractors scam people. Bad contractors do work quickly with cheap materials. Other contractors can just be difficult to work with. How can you find a contractor you can trust with your home? If you Googled “reputable roofing contractors near me” with some trepidation, don’t worry. Great contractors are out there, and they’re pretty easy to find when you know what you’re looking for.

Tips for Finding a Great Home Remodeling Contractor

The good news is that you can find a great contractor if you’re willing to do a little bit of research. By investing this time before you talk to any contractors, you can save yourself a lot of time and trouble later and go into your project with confidence. Here are just a few of the things you can do to find the best contractor for you.

• Licensed and insured – If you can’t easily find confirmation that a contractor is licensed and insured to work in your area, steer clear. Every reputable contractor should be willing and able to verify this information for you easily. Our license number is always visible on our website and you’re able to view all of Northern Lights Exteriors LLC license information on BuildZoom.
• BBB rating – Most established companies have a rating with the Better Business Bureau. While it’s not foolproof, it gives you a quick snapshot of the contractor’s reputation. The BBB is also a great place to find out if there are complaints about the business. If you see a lot of them, that’s a pretty big red flag. Northern Lights Exteriors is proud to be A+ BBB accredited since April 2010. Read our reviews and see why we’re rated 4.86/5 stars!
• Online reviews – Check out the Google reviews, Angie’s List, Yelp, and other relevant review sites. Look for patterns in what people say. If a lot of people complain about the same thing, you’ll know what to expect. On the other hand, if the reviews are all good, that’s a great sign. Read hundreds of 5 star reviews for Northern Lights Exteriors here!
• Previous jobs – Look at the company’s previous work. Has it done many projects like yours before? If so, how do they look? You want to be certain your remodeling partner knows how to do the job and do it well. Get inspired and browse through our local project gallery for windows, siding, and more!
• Promoted prices – If you see promotional prices that look too good to be true, you know they probably are. You want a contractor that focuses on the quality of its materials and craftsmanship rather than trying to be the lowest priced. Since we do business with many suppliers, we’re able to get discounts that are not usually available to smaller independent contractors. Our incentive is to then pass along those savings to you so that you get the best value and best deal.
• Local – It’s best to find a local company to work on your house. If it’s established in the area, the team should know what products work best in your climate. Since 2001 our family-owned company has been proud to live in the very part of Colorado where we do business with our neighbors. With over 20 years of experience in Colorado, our service is unbeatable when it comes to taking care of your needs.

Treat It Like an Interview

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of contractors, talk to at least two or three of them. Remember, they want your business, and it’s up to them to earn it. If you feel pressured to make a quick decision, run away! If they give you a quote before looking at your property or make you talk to too many different people to get your answers, those are also red flags.

You should feel comfortable talking to the project manager or sales representative. Listen to your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. But if you feel like they are treating you with respect and asking the right questions, you’re probably on the right track.

It’s Your House and Your Decision

Your home is precious to you, and you want any renovations to be done right. Never let yourself feel pressured into choosing a contractor. With a little bit of research beforehand, you can weed out a lot of bad eggs. Then, it’s just a matter of finding the contractor that feels like the right fit for you and your home project. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Northern Lights Exteriors. We’d be happy to help.