5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring A Home Remodeling Contractor

Regret. 

It’s a feeling we all have from time to time. It’s a word that makes us wince. 

When we feel regret, we look back on the choices we’ve made in the past and think about what we could have done differently…what we should have done differently.  

Regret stems from that pit in your stomach that you’ve made a mistake. That you did something wrong. 

How do you avoid regret? By educating yourself and preparing the right way to make the best choice.

So, if you're looking for the right home remodeling company for your project, you never want to feel regretful and like you made the wrong choice.

Whether you want to remodel your bathroom, replace your front door, or add a swimming pool to your backyard, you must have the right tools in place to find the right home remodeling contractor. 

You may be wondering, “How do I do that?” 

Just like when making any decision, you must educate yourself, ask the right questions, and know what common mistakes to avoid. 

Southwest Exteriors has been an exterior remodeling contractor in San Antonio since 1989. In the 33 years we’ve been in business, a part of our job is helping homeowners who have had an unfortunate experience with a faulty contractor. 

There are many remodeling companies out there that are new to the market, inexperienced, and just want to take your money. 

These companies may make you feel comfortable and assure you they will get the job done, but if you don’t know what red flags to look out for and what questions to ask, you may make the wrong decision. 

This article will outline five common mistakes to avoid when selecting a home remodeling contractor. 

After reading, you’ll know exactly what to avoid as you search for the right company for your project. Then, you will have the right information and tools to use going forward in your journey to finding the right contractor. 

5 common mistakes to avoid when choosing a home remodeling contractor

As you’re researching different contractors in your area, meeting with some for a consultation, and trying to compare the ones you’ve seen, dozens of questions are circling through your mind. 

How do I trust the right company with my project? How do I ultimately choose the right one? How do I avoid making the wrong choice? 

Well, here we’re going to help answer that third question so you can understand what NOT to do when choosing a home remodeling company. 

Let’s look into five of the most common mistakes homeowners make when choosing a home remodeling company. 

1. Choosing the least expensive company

The number one mistake homeowners make when choosing a home remodeling contractor is choosing the least expensive one solely because of the cost. 

Now, we understand that nobody ever wants to pay more than they need for any product or service. But, what you must understand is that cost and quality have a direct relationship when it comes to home remodeling. 

If you want a high-quality product and installation that you won’t have to worry about for the rest of your time in your home, it’s going to cost more. 

On the other hand, if you are just a house flipper, want to do a quick upgrade before putting your home on the market, or are a short-term homeowner, then choosing the least expensive option may be the right choice for you. 

You do not want to choose a company just because they are the cheapest. You must look at their credibility, the products they offer, and know that you trust them. 

2. Filling in the gaps where information is unknown

The second most common mistake you can make when choosing a home remodeling company is filling in the gaps about them when you don’t actually know the answer. 

Okay. That was a long-winded sentence. 

What we mean by this is making assumptions about a contractor. For example, say you’ve met with three different companies for your project. 

One company told you all about their credibility, history, installation processes, and thoroughly reviewed all their product options. The second went through the same information as the first, as well as their warranty information and additional things you need to know about your project. 

The third company only talked about their company, showed you what products they offer, and presented you with a quote. 

You’re recalling your memories about each company, trying to choose the right one. The third company was the least expensive option, but you can’t quite remember them talking about their warranty information, installation practices, or credibility they provided. 

But, you just assume they are the same as the other companies because they offer the same services. This is a big mistake to avoid. 

If a contractor is not providing you with thorough information about all aspects of your project, there may be a reason for that. You cannot fill in the gap and assume one contractor will be exactly the same as the other. 

This is why it is crucial you get all the information you need from a company and have all your questions answered in order to choose the right contractor for your project. 

3. Not looking into the facts of a company

The third mistake that goes along with the second is not looking into the facts of a company. 

If you find yourself making assumptions about a contractor and filling in the blanks with information they never gave you, you must look at the facts. 

Go back to the company's website to see if you can find their work. Read real client reviews online. Look at their social media. 

If you have questions they didn’t answer, reach out to the company. If they give you vague answers or still leave you questioning something, this is a red flag. 

Investigate further if you start to make assumptions and answer your own questions when you don’t know the truth. Look at the facts of the company, not just opinions. 

4. Not listening to your gut

The fourth major mistake you can make when choosing a home remodeling company is not listening to your gut. 

Remember how we were talking about the feeling of regret at the beginning of this article? Not listening and following your gut instinct will lead you to regret. 

If something feels off about a contractor, or you don’t feel you fully trust them, don’t ignore that feeling. You need to feel comfortable and 100% confident in the contractor you choose, knowing they will provide you with a successful, high-quality outcome for your project.

Following your intuition and trusting your gut is something you must do when choosing a home remodeling company. If you have a worrisome feeling things will go wrong from the beginning, pull back before it’s too late. 

5. Telling yourself it will all be okay

Along with not trusting your gut, the fifth mistake you can make when choosing a home remodeling company is telling yourself it will be okay, even if your gut tells you otherwise. 

When you ignore the red flags and tell yourself everything will turn out all right, you are making almost all of the above mistakes in one. 

You are filling in the blanks and making assumptions about a contractor, not looking at the facts, and ignoring your gut instinct. 

It is crucial to trust yourself and know when those red flags start to creep up. Then, you are sure to spot the wrong company and move on to the next one. 

How to avoid these 5 mistakes and find the right contractor for you

Now that you know five common mistakes homeowners make when choosing a home remodeling company, you have a piece of the formula for finding the right contractor for you. 

While it is essential to have the right steps in place to make the right choice, you also need to be aware of the wrong things to do so you can avoid them. 

To find the right home remodeling contractor for your project, remember these five mistakes to avoid: 

1. Do not choose the least expensive company just because of the cost
2. Do not fill in the gaps where information is unknown
3. Look into the facts of a company
4. Listen to your gut instinct
5. Do not just tell yourself it will all be okay

When you are aware of these mistakes to avoid, you will consciously analyze the companies you are considering and can ensure you choose the best one for you. 

So, you know what mistakes to avoid now. But, what are the true steps to finding the right contractor? 

This article will outline three steps to finding the right home remodeling contractor for you and what questions to ask yourself when considering a company. 

Are you looking for the right exterior home remodeling contractor?

Southwest Exteriors offer high-quality window, siding, and door replacements as well as industrial concrete coatings, exterior painting, and window coverings. 

If you are looking for a San Antonio remodeling company that takes care of you and serves you with love and excellence, then we might be the right fit for you. 

Want to learn more about us and know if we are the right contractor for you? Schedule your commitment-free consultation with a design consultant for your next remodeling project!