How to Hire a Home Addition Contractor

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  • Whether you need more space or you want to build equity, adding additional rooms to your home can be an overwhelming project. For the best results, you need to hire a home addition contractor. Choosing a home addition contractor requires more than selecting the lowest bid. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to hire a home addition contractor.

  • Whether you need more space or you want to build equity, adding additional rooms to your home can be an overwhelming project. For the best results, you need to hire a home addition contractor. Choosing a home addition contractor requires more than selecting the lowest bid. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to hire a home addition contractor.

  • Introduction

    • A home addition contractor will work with you to create a beautiful addition to your home. Home additions may expanded rooms, new rooms, additional stories or a new deck or patio. The complexity of the addition will determine the type of experience and training you will need to look for in an home addition contractor. Do your homework to choose the right contractor.

  • Step 1: Decide How Much You Can Afford

    • Once you know what you want to add to your home, you need to decide how much you can afford to spend. This budget will have to include:
    1. Materials.
    2. Labor.
    3. Any additional fees.
    • Your budget will help you rule out contractors and help finalize home addition plans.

  • Step 2: Shop Around

    1. Get recommendations from:
      1. Friends.
      2. Family.
      3. Neighbors.
      4. The Contractors State License Board.
      5. The local hardware store.
    2. Check out the Better Business Bureau's online listings.
    3. Contact the National Association of Homebuilders.
    4. As a last resort, search the Yellow Pages.
    • When asking for recommendations, make sure you ask the following:
    1. Were the customers satisfied?
    2. Did the contractor finish within the allotted time and budget?
    3. How clean was the contractor?
    4. Did the contractor arrive on time?

  • Step 3: Get Estimates

    • After receiving initial phone and email quotes, narrow down your search to at least three home addition contractors..
    1. Make an appointment for the contractor to visit your home.
    2. Ask the contractor to bring:
      1. Proof of insurance.
      2. Pictures of previous home additions.
      3. A list of previous customers you can contact.
      4. His license.
    3. Ask for the full name and address of the business.
      1. Ask for the business' tax identification number.
      2. Find out how long the company has been in business.
    4. Discuss how the addition will be done in specific detail.
    5. Discuss the materials that will be used for the job.
      • Make sure all contractors are bidding on the same type and amount of materials.
    6. Discuss the price, including:
      1. Labor costs.
      2. Material costs.
      3. Down payment.
      4. Payment schedule.
    7. Ask if the contractor offers a guarantee.
    8. Find out what permits you will need and if he or she will obtain them.
    9. Final estimates should be provided in writing.
    10. Contractors should also provide a mock-up of the plans for your addition.

  • Step 4: Check Qualifications

    1. Make sure the contractor is has the proper licensing.
      • Check with the Better Business Bureau.
      • His or her contractor's license should match his or her driver's license.
      • Check his or her tax payer identification number.
    2. Check references.
    3. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against the contractor.
    4. Ask to see pictures of previous home additions.

  • Step 5: Make an Agreement

    • Create and sign a contract that details every aspect of the job. Never sign a contract that you have not read or do not agree with. A contract will protect you and the contractor.


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