A home improvement contractor specializes in remodeling residential areas and can work independently or subcontract parts of the project. They prepare bids after assessing the project and may cordon off the construction area for safety. No formal education is required, but references and licenses may be necessary.
A home improvement contractor is a construction professional who specializes in remodeling existing residential areas. She can do all the work herself or subcontract parts of the project to other artisans and contractors. Some home improvement contractors are self-employed and others work for general contractors or home construction and home improvement specialists.
Home improvement projects are typically as diverse as the people who hire contractors to do the work. A homeowner may need a contractor to do something as simple as a closet expansion or paint a bathroom, or they may have a whole-house renovation in mind. A home improvement contractor often specializes in remodeling certain rooms or is known for successfully incorporating a specific style into a home’s decor.
Whether the project is small or large, a home improvement contractor will typically visit the homeowner to inspect the facility before preparing a bid. This kick-off meeting allows her to assess the general condition of the house and examine the area to be redecorated. The owner usually asks the contractor for references or photos of past projects at this point as well.
The home renovation contractor typically prepares her bid after she and the potential client have clearly defined the parameters of the project. This can take several meetings as owners change their minds frequently as details are discussed and suggestions are made by the contractor. Once the fine stitches are finalized and the offer is signed by both parties, the project usually begins.
Depending on the scope of the project, the contractor may cordon off the construction area for health and safety reasons. If only one room is involved, this is usually not necessary. If the project is a whole-house renovation, residents typically move out for the duration of the renovation to avoid noise and construction disruption.
Owners typically check in on the progress of the contractor’s work on a daily or semi-daily basis. Generally, a home improvement contractor is expected to respond to questions and concerns as the project progresses. If there are delays caused by the availability of material or labor or other unforeseen obstacles, the contractor should keep the homeowner informed about them. It is generally expected that all cost overruns will be immediately reported and approved by the owner.
Typically, there are no formal educational requirements for this job. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically preferred for job seekers. Math and communication skills are desirable for a home improvement contractor. Reference letters are usually requested by potential clients. Many cities also require contractors to be licensed by a professional contractors association or by the Residential Building Quality Assurance Board.
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