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Contractor vs. Full-Service Remodeler: The Pros and Cons

As Seen in the Baltimore Sun

Whether you’re making simple upgrades or adding an entirely new space, home renovations should be exciting, not stressful. The key to a successful remodel is to do your homework before your project starts. That way, you hire the right company for the job.

With so many home improvement companies to choose from, many homeowners simply hire a general contractor without even considering why a full-service remodeler may be best for the project. Here are some reasons to consider a full-service on your next remodeling job.

Full-service remodelers have teams of experts with specialized trades.

Alternatively, general contractors tend to be jacks-of-all-trades. While there is nothing inherently wrong with hiring someone who does a little bit of everything, many home improvements are more complex than they initially seem. Unlike general contractors, full-service remodelers employ teams of master tradespeople with individuals usually specializing in one trade or part of the home. By leveraging their collective experience, master tradespeople can get jobs done faster and at a higher level of quality while doing a better job of foreseeing and proactively resolving any issues.

 

Full-service remodelers are licensed and insured for the specific type of work they do on your home.

Getting the right insurance as a home improvement company is expensive, really expensive. Many smaller contractors will buy general contractor’s insurance that meets the minimum of State law, but most of these policies have numerous exclusions. Or worse, sometimes they will even buy a policy just to be able to show a certificate, but then let it lapse. Full-service remodelers carry insurance for all of their trades. Full coverage ensures that both you and your home are protected in case of an accident, or accidental damage.

 

Full-service remodelers don’t juggle projects to try and make a living.

Have you ever had a contractor tell you they were working on another project, or disappear for a couple of days? Switching between projects is a fundamental reason that costs run high and timelines run long. Unlike contractors juggling projects, full-service remodelers assign a team to your project, and it is their focus until your renovation is complete.

 

Full-Service remodelers excel at project management.

Because they manage a larger volume of projects, full-service remodelers have developed well-honed systems for completing projects efficiently. Even the best crews will tend toward shortcuts if not appropriately managed. Full-service remodelers have dedicated project managers who perform constant quality assurance inspections, avoiding the need for re-work and keeping projects running smoothly.

 

Full-service remodelers make customer relationships a priority.

Repeat business and referrals are absolutely necessary for a full-service business model to work. Unlike working with a contractor who only does roofing, and who you only hire once every couple of decades, full-service remodelers focus on delivering a great customer experience. It is their goal that you come back again and again for all of your home improvement needs. This kind of trust-based relationship helps both parties, and simplifies the process of vetting and purchasing home improvement services.

When it’s time to get started on your next project, consider the benefits of hiring a full-service remodeler rather than a general contractor. No matter who you choose, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decisions for your home. Get started by scheduling a free, no-pressure consultation with one of our remodeling experts.