No matter what kind of job you’re looking to get finished in your home, finding the right contractor is essential to creating your perfect space. There are plenty of great contractors out there, and there are also a few that might not be the right fit for you. From the kitchen to the landscaping, there are plenty of options out there to choose from so you can get the job done right. Here are a few things you should look for in a contractor.

1.   They Specialize in Your Preferences

Even though you might really mesh with a contractor who doesn’t specialize in what you need, one thing that’s ultimately extremely important is finding someone who works with the kind of project you’re tackling.

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, for example, and you want someone who can help with a kitchen island, it might be a good idea to seek out someone who has ample experience specializing in that kind of thing.

You may be surprised to learn that this tip can definitely go both ways. Yes, you should shop around for quotes and estimates to make sure things stay within your budget, but you should also be wary of quotes and estimates that seem suspiciously low or too good to be true.

Striving for quality is important, and you want to make sure the work is up to par, or that your invoice doesn’t come back much higher than you expected.

3.  You Have Referrals

Word of mouth is the oldest trick in the book when it comes to finding any kind of service, especially a contractor or home renovation. Gathering recommendations from reputable sources and finding personal recommendations can not only help you find trustworthy individuals, but also help you find the style you’re looking for by relying on those with comparable tastes to yours.

4.  They Have Good Reviews

The internet isn’t everything, but when a contractor has consistently positive reviews, that’s usually a good sign. This means people consistently find themselves satisfied with their work, and you can trust their expertise. Look into what others have to say about their experience with the contractors you’re looking into — not just to see if they’re good, but also to see if their style fits with what you’re looking for.

5.  They’re Highly Qualified

This one might sound like a no-brainer, but you might be surprised at how often it gets overlooked. Make sure they have all the certifications, paperwork, and other requirements they might need to get the job done and do it well. The last thing you want to worry about is semantics and legalities, so make sure any permits either party needs are taken care of before you sign on for the project.

6.  You Like Their Previous Work

It’s always a good idea to take a look at a contractor’s previous work to see if you mesh with their style. However, you can even go a step further and get an in-person look at some of their creations if that’s available to you.

The best option is to find your contractor by liking the work in someone’s home. If you can get a referral from a friend or family member who already has work by them that you like, that’s a great way to tell whether their work flows with your style. However, you can always ask to see examples of their work if it’s somebody new.

7.  They Have a Reasonable Turnaround Time

This might not be the top priority for everybody, but for many, it’s extremely important. Especially if you have kids or pets, or if you’re working on a crucial area of your home that includes functional living spaces, getting things done in a reasonable timeline can be a big plus.

Ask about the expected timeline and get a few estimates from different contractors while you shop around. You might be surprised at some of the differences.

8.  They Respect Your Boundaries

This can be true in a variety of ways, from their presence in your home to their ability to respect your budget and your design needs. It’s important to find a contractor who listens to you and values your opinion. After all, it is your home, and you get to decide on the specifics of what happens there.

9.  They Contribute to Your Vision

Although you might want to find a contractor who simply takes whatever you say and runs with it, there is something to be said for finding somebody who contributes to your vision. When you find someone who is able to add on and make interesting suggestions that can uplift your project and make it even better, you know they’re fully dedicated to your vision, and you know you can trust them to make the right choices for you and your home.

10.  They Have a Good Demeanor

If you’re going to be working with somebody on a regular basis, being able to have a good rapport with them and build a relationship is extremely important. Although you don’t need to be best friends, finding somebody with a good demeanor you can get along with will make every part of the process easier, including the communication it requires to build something great.

Honesty is key, no matter what the subject is. In order to have open lines of communication and trust, you need to find somebody who is honest with you from the jump. They need to be able to tell you if something isn’t possible, if something might take a little bit longer, or if they have an even better idea that can uplift your project.

12.  Their References Check Out

It’s always good to check somebody’s references, no matter what their work looks like. This might only take a few minutes, but it can make a big difference, especially if it helps narrow down your process.

There are so many contractors out there who can help you achieve your dream home. No matter what you’re renovating, you can find a professional to help you with whatever you need. By finding somebody who has good communication skills, work that you trust, and all of the necessary qualifications, you can achieve the very best of your goals for your home.