Picking the Perfect Home Renovation Contractor in Atlanta
If you’ve been Googling home renovation contractors in Atlanta, we’re going to go out on a limb and say you’ve probably decided to make some home renovations.
Sooner or later, every home needs a repair—and you’ll lack either the time, motivation, or expertise (or all of the above) to tackle it on your own. Thus, most homeowners will need to hire a contractor at some point. Knowing how to hire and find the right professional is crucial for project success.
Let’s examine the complexities of hiring home renovation contractors in Atlanta and prepare you to pick the perfect person—or team—for your job.
General Home Renovation Contractors in Atlanta
General contractors are responsible for most major construction and remodeling projects. Often, these contractors or GCs are the main professionals who manage every facet of a building project.
Their duties include sourcing materials, obtaining permits, and ensuring that the work follows the specified plan. General home renovation contractors in Atlanta coordinate subcontractors, tradespeople, vendors, and workers. Additionally, they communicate with other stakeholders like architects, designers, and condominium or cooperative boards when necessary.
Notably, the term "general contractor" can refer to both individual professionals and contracting companies. Contracting companies can range from small operations with just one or two people to mid-sized firms with 10–20 employees, and even larger corporations with 50 or more employees.
Different Kinds of Home Renovation Contractors in Atlanta
When your home needs specific repairs, you'll typically hire a specialized home renovation contractor in Atlanta, sometimes called a subcontractor, which differs from a GC or builder. Consider the GC as the "generalist" and the subcontractors as the "specialists."
Specialized home renovation contractors in Atlanta cover a range of areas, including but not limited to the following:
Excavation: Handles earth-moving tasks such as grading and footing digging.
Concrete: Manages concrete pouring for driveways, foundations, etc.
Framing: Constructs the structural framework of buildings.
Roofing: Installs and repairs roofs, including shingles and flashing.
Plumbing: Installs and maintains water supply and drainage systems.
HVAC: Manages heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations.
Electrical: Installs electrical systems and components.
Drywall: Installs and prepares drywall for finishing.
Flooring: Specializes in various flooring materials like tiles, hardwood, and carpets.
Painting: Applies paint and finishes to surfaces.
Finish Carpentry: Installs decorative elements like trim and cabinetry.
Licensed Home Renovation Contractor vs Handiwork
Buyer beware. Individuals offering services such as “home maintenance” or “general handiwork” may not be licensed contractors at all. They might simply be individuals with trucks and some tools, such as gutter cleaners, leaf rakers, or painters. While hiring them can work, it's important to be cautious about quality and liability issues. For better protection, choose licensed home renovation contractors in Atlanta over unlicensed workers.
The Role of Home Renovation Contractors in Atlanta
When you hire a GC, they handle hiring specialized home renovation contractors in Atlanta and managing their contracts. You only deal directly with the GC, not the subcontractors. The GC earns money by adding a markup to subcontractors' costs, either as a percentage of the construction amount or a lump sum fee.
In exchange, the GC schedules subcontractors, manages payments, supervises construction, and provides resources like dumpsters and insurance for home building.
We recommend using a GC for smoother operation and management, rather than trying to act as your own general contractor.
When It’s Time to Hire Home Renovation Contractors in Atlanta
Now that we’ve established the difference between general and specialized home renovation contractors in Atlanta, the choice of when and whether to involve them in your project is up to you. Consider the following:
How Comfortable Are You with Doing the Project Yourself?
Are you confident in your ability to perform (or at least attempt) the repair or renovation?
How well do you understand the procedures required to finish the project?
What skills do you possess, and what new skills will you need to acquire?
Do you possess or have access to the necessary tools to accomplish the project effectively?
How Much Time Do You Have?
Do you presently have the time, and will you continue to have it in the future, to finish this project?
What parts of your daily schedule will you need to give up during this task?
Are you willing to accept the consequences if the project takes longer than expected?
What Is Your Budget?
Can you realistically afford to hire a home renovation contractor in Atlanta?
Can you handle additional costs and risks if you don't hire one? (Remember to include tool purchases, rentals, and material expenses.)
If you answered "no" to any of the previous questions, we advise you to be cautious about pursuing DIY projects and hire a home renovation contractor in Atlanta for the repair instead.
Stay Legit with Atlanta Building Permits
Before starting complex projects like adding electrical circuits or expanding bathrooms beyond basic home repairs, check if a permit is needed from your local building department.
While many repairs may not need a permit, new installations often do—especially for electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing work.
Sometimes, permits require licensed contractors for the job to ensure public safety. Additionally, local building inspectors may also need to assess your project during and after completion. Of course, if a permit states a licensed home renovation contractor in Atlanta is required, you should hire one.
Choosing the Right Home Renovation Contractors in Atlanta
Selecting the right home renovation contractors in Atlanta can be tough. How can you make sure you find the best match for your needs?
Review Past Projects
The first step in choosing the right contractor is to compile a list of potential candidates. Look for local home renovation contractors in Atlanta that you've had good experiences with in the past. Get recommendations from reliable sources like friends, family, or realtors. Also, check platforms like Angi for real-time reviews of contractors' work. Read reviews and testimonials to understand their reputation. It's easy nowadays to research a contractor online.
However, meeting the criteria on paper doesn't always mean you've found the perfect match. After narrowing down your list, meet the candidates in person to assess rapport and professionalism. Courtesy, punctuality, communication, and technical skills are important factors to consider. If there are discrepancies in these areas, rethink your choice.
Here are some ways to evaluate a contractor's credibility:
How Long They’ve Been in Business: A long history of consistent operations under the same name is a good sign. However, younger businesses shouldn’t be dismissed solely based on age.
Physical Location: Check if the contractor operates from a physical office. This can give you an idea of their stability.
References: Ask for recent positive references from multiple clients. Lack of references or negative feedback is a red flag.
Specialty: Ideally, hire home renovation contractors in Atlanta who specialize in the work you need—although versatility is also valuable.
Request Multiple Quotes
After shortlisting potential home renovation contractors in Atlanta, get estimates from each one. While online research can give you average rates, differences in estimates can be significant.
Remember, choosing the lowest bid isn’t always the best decision. Compare the scope of work in each estimate to ensure it meets your needs and includes necessary preparations, protection measures, and cleanup.
Understand the Scope of Work
Knowing the scope of work is crucial for evaluating bids accurately. The scope of work is the list of tasks and services the contractor will provide.
Home renovation contractors in Atlanta may need to make assumptions in their bids, like material quantities or home access. They may also list any exclusions. Review these carefully with the contractor, asking about reasonableness and requesting written clarification. Failure to address any issues upfront could lead to change orders later.
Make a Plan to Handle Change Orders
A change order modifies the original scope of work.
During the project, a challenging issue can be a contractor's request for a change order that adds costs. To avoid this, have a clear scope of work. Additionally, discuss how to handle additional work before starting. A change order is reasonable if the contractor faces unforeseen circumstances or if you initiate a scope change.
Credentials for Home Renovation Contractors in Atlanta
Ensure the contractor you choose is licensed, insured, and bonded. Avoid unlicensed contractors. Do your best to select one with a clean track record. Look for home renovation contractors in Atlanta with no complaints in the last three years.
Plus, check that they have workers' compensation and liability insurance. Request their insurance certificates and verify coverage.
Then, confirm the contractor is bonded for trust. Bonds ensure that the contracted work will be completed with a third-party surety.
Discuss Payment Options
Home renovation contractors in Atlanta may prefer immediate payment or invoicing by mail. Avoid cash upfront requests. We recommend negotiating an initial payment not exceeding 33% for materials.
Take Your Time
No matter the issue, don’t rush to select the right contractor. At the very least, look for clear contract terms. Beware of unclear contracts or pressured signings.
Establish the Working Relationship
Clearly outline cleanup and protection expectations in the contract. Furthermore, discuss home access and utility use. Address any concerns as soon as possible. Then, casually monitor progress without micromanaging. Finally, keep important paperwork in a designated file.
Review Completed Work
Inspect the work before final payment. Confirm cleanliness and quality. Afterward, leave a review if you’re satisfied with the job so you can assist others in selecting reputable home renovation contractors in Atlanta.
Choose the Best Home Renovation Contractors in Atlanta for You
Finding the right home renovation contractor in Atlanta can be a daunting task, but it’s a crucial step towards the success of your project. You should now be equipped with all the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision.
Remember to always do thorough research, ask for recommendations and references, and, most importantly, trust your instincts when making your final decision. A good contractor will not only bring your vision to life but also ensure that the entire process is smooth and stress-free.