How to Spot a Good Countertop Contractor
Home renovations can be a big undertaking, and while some parts are perfect for a weekend DIY, other parts are best left to the pros. So, when you scan through all of the contractors listed on the internet, how do you know which one to trust with your project? Read on to find a list of the top things to consider and questions to ask before hiring a contractor.
Look for Experience and Expertise
You want to find a contractor who has experience installing various countertop materials, especially the material you’re leaning toward using. This experience makes them an expert in the field so you can rest assured that your project is in good hands, no matter which type of surface you decide to use.
You should also look for a contractor who understands all aspects of working with countertops, from design to installation to countertop care and repairs. Your contractor should be a one-stop-shop for all of the questions you have about countertops before, during, and after your project. A great contractor can help guide you to the surface that fits your design style AND your lifestyle. If you’re not interested in doing a lot of countertop maintenance, they should be able to suggest a material that’s easy to care for.
You also want a contractor who can fix chips and stains. Though it’s rare to damage your surface, it does happen on occasion. An experienced contractor can repair the surface for you, even if it’s been several years since they installed your countertops.
Read Reviews
Reading customer reviews can give you great insight into whether hiring one contractor over another will result in headaches and frustrations or satisfaction and remodeling bliss.
Some things you want to look for in a countertop specialist are:
Responsiveness
You don't want to be in a scenario where you've hired someone, but they take days to get back to you after you call them. There should be very little stress and worry during this process. So do yourself a favor and make sure the contractor you choose is good at responding to clients promptly.
Listen to the Customer
You do, of course, want to respect the expertise that your contractor has. But you don't want your desires, needs, and ideas for your home to be ignored and overlooked. An ideal contractor will ask questions about what you want for your space and then make suggestions that bring your vision to life.
The wrong contractor might make assumptions about what you want without ever asking. Other times, they may push you in a different direction than what you have in mind. Steer clear of a contractor who seems more interested in an easy job than doing the job the right way.
They Take Proper Precautions
It would be an unpleasant experience to hire a contractor who doesn’t respect your space or home. Try to sift through reviews to get a feel of how the contractor works in the home. Do they make a huge and unnecessary mess, and what steps do they take to ensure proper cleanup? Do they take the necessary measures to ensure everyone's safety and health while they’re in your home? Do they help you get the proper permits? Are they insured? All of these things point to the professionalism of your contractor.
See Work Samples
It’s always a good idea to look at a contractor's portfolio before hiring them to install your countertops. Look for pictures of completed projects similar to the project you have in mind, either in style, scope, or layout.
This isn't to say that you shouldn’t consider a contractor who hasn’t done work identical to your vision. If, for example, you see beautiful and well-made pieces in their portfolio, it’s a sign that the company does excellent work. The goal of viewing the portfolio is to judge the aesthetic quality of a contractor's work and to get ideas for how your space could look.
If a contractor doesn’t have pictures of their previous work, that may be a red flag that they’re either new to countertops or don’t have high-quality work to showcase.
Schedule
Ensure that you understand the timeline of your project and that the contractor you’re considering can finish within a time frame that works for you. Besides knowing when the end date of your project is, it’s essential to get timelines for milestones, as project delays can add significant costs to your remodel or new build job.
Having a set schedule can help you keep on top of the timing. It can help you see if your project is far behind and make adjustments to other parts of your project, if necessary.
Pricing
Your budget is one of the most important factors to keep in mind when hiring a countertop contractor. Researching to find someone in your budget can save you the heartache of getting too far down the road with someone, only to find out that you can’t afford them after all.
How does your contractor's pricing match up against their competitors in your area? Are they in line, or do their prices seem quite a bit higher than their competitors? If they cost more, can they tell you the additional benefits you’re getting for the money?
Look out for contractors that are much cheaper than all of their competitors. Consider whether there’s a reason why their prices are much lower. Are their materials of lower quality? Will the finishing work be poor? Sometimes, a deal really can be too good to be true.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Will there be subcontractors brought in for the project? If so, do you have samples of their work?
Is the company affiliated with any professional organizations?
What warranties or satisfaction guarantees do they offer?
Get in Touch with Alpha Surfaces
Alpha Surfaces has developed a reputation for listening to our customers and helping them bring their countertop visions to life. We help our customers choose the type of surface that fits their design preferences and lifestyle. We help customers understand how to care for their surfaces, and we’re here to help with repairs if you need them.
If you’re ready to get started on your countertop project, schedule a design meeting with Alpha today.