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Who to Call for Your Home Improvement Project: Contractor vs. Full-Service Remodeler

Choosing who to hire for your home remodeling project can be stressful. Depending on the work you need done, there could be hundreds of options in your area! But you can narrow down the list by first deciding whether to hire a full-service remodeler or a contractor.

Hiring a full-service remodeler is often a great choice because these companies make long-term relationships a priority and have teams of experts who specialize in nearly every part of a home.  However, sometimes, it may make more sense to hire a contractor. While some contractors seem to be jacks-of-all-trades, others are very specialized and are experts in their specific fields, making them the right choice for certain projects.

If a project is out of scope for a full-service remodeler, meaning they do not do that type of work, then you may want to call a contractor. Take a look at the examples below to see who might be best for your next home improvement project.

Call a Contractor to:

Build, Install, or Remodel a Shed

A standalone shed is a much less complicated project than remodeling a home, and some contractors specialize in creating high-quality outdoor structures as well as the foundations for those structures. 

Painting kitchen cabinetsPaint or Refinish Cabinets

While it can be tempting to DIY painted cabinets, it takes a long time to do them right on your own. Additionally, the paint on a DIY job often doesn’t last in the wear and tear of a kitchen space. Painting cabinets or refinishing cabinets is a specialty trade, which likely does not to fall into the practice of a full-service remodeler, but there are plenty of contractors who can do the job well.

Patch and Paint Drywall

Small contractors who specialize in drywall work are often just more efficient completing smaller drywall projects like patching and replacing sections of drywall. They will likely be in and out of your home within a day, leaving you with a fresh surface. However, full-service remodelers do plenty of drywall work as a part of other projects, such as following a major roof leak or while finishing a basement. The difference is scale. Small contractors are typically faster and less expensive for small projects, while full-service remodelers are more efficient and cost effective on larger jobs.

Power Wash the Deck or Siding

Regular exterior maintenance, such as power washing, can be left to a contractor who has the specific equipment and experience for the task.

LandscapingLandscape and Hardscape

A landscape architect or hardscape contractor can combine the skills of design and gardening to create both a safe and aesthetically pleasing space. It is unlikely that a full-service remodeler will have the crews or experience to handle planting vegetation around the home or install pavers.

Repair Doors and Windows

A contractor can handle smaller repairs like caulking and weather stripping. However, if you are replacing doors and windows, a full-service remodeler can assist you in finding the right style, size and energy efficiency for your home.

While contractors can be an excellent choice for certain projects, it is important to remember that most of the time, they are hired for a specific task or project and once complete they are finished. They typically have minimal if any oversight and juggle multiple projects at once, which can create issues in project management, communication, and timely completion.

When it is time for your next home improvement project, consider the size of the project and whether you would like to work with a familiar team on multiple projects around your house. As always, do your homework and check review sites like the Better Business Bureau to make sure you’re hiring a reputable company that you can trust.

Brothers Services is a full-service remodeler with teams of designers, master tradespeople, Field Quality Managers, and experienced sales consultants. We aim to win homeowners trust on every project through friendly support, quality materials sourcing, and incredible craftsmanship. When you’re considering your next home improvement project, get started by scheduling a free, no-pressure consultation with one of our experts.

Call a Full-Service Remodeler to:

Repair or Replace Your Roof

With a myriad of choices for roofing contractors, it can be hard to choose. However, many larger contractors surprisingly don’t have the resources to repair a roof, and thus will always recommend a full replacement. Full-service remodelers often employ specialized roofing crews who will assess your entire roof as a system. This approach gives you the resources and cost savings of a large company, while still delivering the personal service of a smaller company. Hiring a full-service remodeler is usually the best way to avoid common roofing project pitfalls and prolong the life of your roof.

Kitchen remodel

Remodel the Bathroom or Kitchen

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling requires a full team to get the job done right. From consultants who accurately price out the project, to designers who help with layout and materials selections, to Field Quality Managers on-site every day to ensure that work goes smoothly. 

Build an Addition

To bring your vision for a new addition to life, you will need a design team that can draft layouts working with a construction team managing many skilled tradespeople. Additionally, you will usually need multiple permits. Choosing a company that can handle permits for you and do everything in-house will help your project run smoothly.

Finish the Basement

Basement finishing is a lot more than just putting down flooring and hanging drywall. Your remodeler will need to pull permits, make sure there is safe egress, and consider the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

DeckBuild a New Deck

Building a deck may seem like a simple project, but you might be shocked at how many decks built by contractors are not even built to code. Decks are weight bearing structures that need to both stand without putting too much strain on the exterior structural wall of your home, while also being built with proper drainage to protect your home’s foundation.

Repair and Replace Siding

Hiring a contractor or doing it yourself can be the best choice for cleaning your siding, but when it comes to repair and replacement, a full-service remodeler will assess your home’s needs to help you choose the right siding option for your home.

Repair and Replace Gutters

While cleaning gutters is sometimes a DIY project, a full-service remodeler understands the important role they play in keeping your home safe and dry. Full-service remodelers can repair damaged or sagging gutters, as well as gutters with small leaks to minimize foundation issues and flooding in your home’s basement. And when it’s time to replace your gutters, they can create custom gutters to fit your home’s exact specifications.