When you are considering exterior renovations such as windows, doors, siding, eavestroughs or masonry, finding the right contractor is crucial. Not all exterior renovation contractors are created equal, and it’s important to distinguish which ones will provide you with the services you want, at a price that makes sense for your budget. Keep reading to learn what to look for and what to avoid in order to find the ideal exterior renovation contractor for your project.

Meets Your Needs

First and foremost, an exterior renovation contractor in Barrie or the surrounding area should obviously meet your needs. They won’t all be a perfect fit, and not all will provide the exact services you feel you need to get your project completed. This is one area where you shouldn’t compromise.

Hiring a contractor simply because you like their personality or certain aspects of their services won’t get you what you need, and you’ll end up putting out more time and money down the road. In the beginning, make a detailed list of what you want to accomplish and only consider contractors that can make that list a reality.

Professional Online Presence

Having a strong online presence is crucial for any modern-day business, and exterior contractors are no different. That’s not to say it isn’t possible to be a strong, competent contractor if there is no website. But when you are going through the process of choosing a new contractor for your exterior project, it’s greatly beneficial to be able to browse through a website to get an idea of the type of company you are going to work with. Search for a professional-looking website that lists all of their services, is user-friendly to navigate, and makes it easy for you to get in touch.

Great Reviews

In today’s online world, people have no problem sharing their opinions on home services, whether they are good or bad. Online reviews are like the modern word-of-mouth, and the more positive reviews you read about an exterior renovation contractor, the higher the likelihood they are worth contacting. You can look for reviews on the company website, online forums, and a range of review-themed websites, or ask about them directly in local social media groups.

Proven Track Record

Every homeowner feels more secure and confident when a company has a track record of successful projects similar to what they want to have done. This indicates the company you are considering has likely seen it all before and has developed a streamlined process with effective troubleshooting techniques that will keep your project on schedule and running smoothly.

Past Work Portfolio

Seeing examples of past work will help to bring the concepts and theories you’ve been hearing about to life. It’s one thing to hear about what will happen during your project or even see the products, but seeing it in place on a home just like yours lets you know that the contractor can produce what they promise. Some contractors have a portfolio available on their website, while others will have a folder of samples to show you during your initial consultation.

All Services Under One Roof

One thing to look for when choosing an exterior renovation contractor (that only a small handful actually offer) is having many different services available in one place. When you can find a contractor that does windows, doors, eavestroughs, siding, masonry, leaf guard systems and more, you won’t have to waste time hiring multiple contractors — and you can save money if different services are bundled together. Another advantage of working with just one contractor is that the communication will be the same across the board and you can establish mutual trust and a good working relationship for greater efficiency.

Be Aware of Red Flags

Just as important as what you should be searching for, is what you should try to avoid when looking for a reputable exterior renovation contractor. Here are some red flags that should alert you about a particular service provider, suggesting it may be wise to look elsewhere.

Poor Portfolios – If a company has barely any samples to show despite claiming to be in business for years, or if the photos are of poor quality, you may want to reconsider. It’s good to keep in mind that contractors show their best work in portfolios, so make sure it meets your standards.

Tough to Get in Touch – There should be several different contact points in several different locations, including websites, social media platforms, and business listings. The easiest part about the entire process should be getting in touch with them if they are serious about having you as a customer.

No Credentials – The proper licenses and certifications are a must for any contractor you want to hire.

References – If a contractor has only a few, or if there seems to be a sizeable time gap between references, that may be a sign that there is something amiss. At the very least, ask questions to see if they will be open about it and offer a logical explanation.

Putting Pressure on You – You should be wary of any exterior renovation contractor who tells you that you have to sign a contract by a certain date or tries to pressure you in any way. Any reputable contractor will let you take some time to mull things over and decide on the path that’s right for you.

When you work with Weaver Exterior Remodeling, you’ll have access to a wide range of renovation services and more than 20 years of remodeling experience. We will always make a point of caring for your home as if it were our own, and the love you have for your home will reflect in your beautiful new exterior.

Call today to get a quote on your next project: 705-725-4977 or click here to use our Interactive Quote Tool.