Ready to remodel? That means it’s also time to start researching home builders. Choosing the right remodeling contractor for your project in Seattle is important — both for the outcomes of your project as well as your peace of mind during construction.
Here at Arbor Construction, we prioritize transparent communication and a comprehensive approach to customer service. Here’s our advice. To make sure you choose the right remodeler for your home.
Remodeling in Seattle? Here’s How to Choose Your Home Builder
Follow these seven steps to help identify the Seattle remodeling contractor for your project.
1. Decide on your design preferences, style, and goals
Live mid-century design? Or perhaps a modern home with some rustic flair is more your speed. Either way, gather inspiration and decide what your ideal remodel looks like. This may change as you learn more about your home, what’s feasible, and what recommendations a builder has — but it’s always best to start with a vision. This helps you identify a partner that aligns with your desired aesthetic and has experience with the type of project.
2. Settle on your schedule and budget
After you’ve chosen your ideal style, set a realistic budget and decide on your timeline. Whole home remodels are not short-term projects, so be sure you understand the impact on your life. Planning ahead can alleviate a lot of the stress many families feel when taking on construction projects, as well as giving you more time to budget and save for your goals accordingly.
3. Ask for recommendations
If friends, family, or neighbors have had remodels recently, ask about their experience. If you love the results, take note. If they don’t have great things to say, remember that as well. Word of mouth is valuable — it can tell you information that you won’t find on the internet. Use this to help inform your process, not to compile your entire list, however.
4. Review portfolios
As part of your research, review portfolios of past work. If you are set on a modern space, but all you see is shabby chic, you’ll know you don’t align with a possible builder. Find inspiration in each remodeling contractor’s portfolio — plus the design of their site and how they talk about themselves can help inform you about their approach as well.
5. Interview Seattle remodeling contractors and home builders
Once you’ve curated a list, have consultations with each. Come prepared with questions — ask about their licensing and insurance for safety, how they manage projects and communicate, and what types of spaces they specialize in. You should also get a feel for personality in this conversation — remember, a remodeling contractor is going to be a large part of your day-to-day life for six or more months if you hire them. Be sure you feel good about working together.
6. Compare quotes
After consultations, you’ll have much to think about. Compare quotes and any notes you took during the consultations to narrow down the field. You may want to get back in touch with builders to get clarification on pricing differences, contract language, or details about their process.
7. Ask for references
To give you confidence in your decision, you can also ask each remodeling contractor you are considering to provide homeowner references. These are former clients from projects they’ve worked on that are willing to share their experiences. This will help you learn from a real person — not just reviews on the internet. You can ask questions about likes and dislikes, process and communication styles, and how the results have held up.
8. Hire!
The last step — at this point you should have the information you need to make an informed decision. After all this research, feel confident when you take the next steps, that you are making the right choice.
Seattle Specific: What you need to know about your location
In the Pacific Northwest, there are many considerations for building or renovating your home. In Seattle specifically, though weather can be mild, it’s often rainy and damp, with overcast skies. For your project, that means site preparation is key, and planning ahead for any drainage issues can prevent timely delays.
A local remodeling contractor will know this and be able to navigate changing weather conditions with ease.
Beyond that, permitting and regulations can be stringent in Seattle. You’ll have to navigate environmental regulations, energy and sustainability requirements, and historical overlays if necessary. An experienced remodeling contractor has done this many times, and should be able to explain the process to you and how they plan to minimize possible delays and stay organized.
Get in Touch for a Personalized Estimate for Your Seattle Remodel
If you are ready to start your remodel in Seattle, get in touch today. Arbo Construction is a full-service Seattle remodeling contractor that specialize in full renovations, whole home remodels, and new builds. Learn more about our process and get a free consultation today.
