{"id":10168,"date":"2019-03-28T20:32:26","date_gmt":"2019-03-29T03:32:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=10168"},"modified":"2024-03-21T12:29:17","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T19:29:17","slug":"home-remodelers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/home-remodelers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find Home Remodelers Who Won\u2019t Leave You Hanging: 7 Tips to Avoid Scammers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scams in the home improvement space are no joke. Since 2015, the Better Business Bureau has received reports of over 1,200 home improvement scams<\/a> and counting. One victim who reported losing $80,000 to a fake business in Sept. 2018 wrote in a BBB complaint:<\/p>\n

\u201cOffer to build a back house. Had to take out loans for the project. They started but never finished. It has been months since they have returned to project. They disconnected lines for the business and personal lines. Took all loan money.<\/i>\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n

This is every homeowner\u2019s worst nightmare and even more devastating if you\u2019re selling the house and have zero time or money to waste. Providing upfront funds is one huge risk; another is sloppy work that violates building codes or threatens people\u2019s safety. Home inspectors<\/a> will notice remodeling jobs gone wrong (even if you don\u2019t) and give buyers a one-way ticket out\u2014no questions asked.<\/p>\n

As you work to get your home ready to sell, every decision and dollar you spend affect your bottom line. Home remodels need to be carefully executed and it starts with who you hire.<\/p>\n

We researched everything about the best and worst home remodelers\u2014from what you should know about license and insurance to what a proper bid looks like. Let\u2019s break down all of the unknowns so you don\u2019t end up as another scam victim.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Source: (Brooke Cagle\/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gut check: Are you sure about that home remodel?<\/h2>\n

\u201cMajor remodels are not something that you need<\/i> to be doing prior to selling,\u201d says Zach Otten<\/a>, who has sold over 83% more properties in Denver<\/a> than the average agent.<\/p>\n

According to a LightStream Home Improvement Survey, 73% of homeowners plan to renovate their home this year<\/a>. If you\u2019re unsure whether you should renovate your home before you sell it, look at how much of the cost will be recouped<\/a> in the resale value.<\/p>\n

Smaller home maintenance projects typically have a higher return on investment. For example, the National Association of Realtors\u2019 Remodeling Impact Report reports that kitchen upgrades and renovations only return up to 62%<\/a> of the cost. Before you remodel your kitchen, consider some budget-friendly updates that are proven to increase your home\u2019s value<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Remodeling Magazine\u2019s 2018 Cost vs. Value Report<\/a> lists the following home renovations as the best return on investment:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Replace your garage door<\/b>. Cost recouped: 98%<\/li>\n
  2. Add manufactured stone veneer siding.<\/b> Cost recouped: 97%<\/li>\n
  3. Replace your front door with a steel door. <\/b>Cost recouped: 91%<\/li>\n
  4. Add a wood deck. <\/b>Cost recouped: 82%<\/li>\n
  5. Do a minor kitchen remodel. <\/b>Cost recouped: 81%<\/li>\n
  6. Replace siding. <\/b>Cost recouped: 76%<\/li>\n
  7. Replace windows with new vinyl windows.<\/b> Cost recouped: 74%<\/li>\n
  8. Remodel bathroom with a universal design.<\/b> Cost recouped: 70%<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    At the end of the day, Otten says your remodeling decision ultimately depends on when you plan to sell your home.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIf you\u2019re going to be in the house for the next 10 years, remodel to your taste. But if you plan to sell in the next year or two and your goal is to get the highest return, do it to the taste of the buyer pool in your area,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

    That\u2019s where the advice of a top real estate agent comes in. The highest-performing agents in your area<\/a> can tell you exactly<\/b> what local buyers look for, whether it\u2019s the farmhouse kitchen look or all beige everything. So before you gut your traditional kitchen for statement blue cabinets, talk to a top real estate agent to see what style buyers in your area gravitate towards.<\/p>\n

    \"A<\/a>
    Source: (Startup Stock Photos\/ Pexels)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    7 pro tips to find the best home remodeler in town<\/h2>\n

    You\u2019re sure a remodeling project will help your house sell for more money<\/a>, so it\u2019s time to hire a remodeler you can trust.<\/p>\n

    Here\u2019s how to find the best remodeler in your area when you need to get your home ready to sell<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    1. Get a list of referred remodelers from family and friends.<\/h3>\n

    Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find the perfect person for your home remodels. Talk to a network of people you trust and ask about remodelers they\u2019ve had good (or bad) experiences with.<\/p>\n

    Here are some questions to ask your friends and family when they recommend a home remodeler:<\/p>\n