Let’s face it: finding the right home improvement contractor in Detroit has never been easy. There are a lot of fly-by-night contractors and pop-up home services businesses out there, and knowing which to trust and which to pass on can feel like rolling dice. Pro Home Improvement is one of those contractors you can trust, but rather than sell you on that, we’ll help you make your own choices.
Home Improvement Contractors in Detroit
The first step in looking for a home improvement contractor is determining whether or not you actually need one. A home improvement contractor is a professional or business that renovates, repairs, or upgrades existing residential properties. They can handle anything from some fixture replacements to building an addition.
Generally speaking, home improvement contractors have a wide range of specialties. They might be able to handle carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, or other repairs or installations. They should carry the appropriate licenses for the work they’re performing, and they must carry the proper insurance.
Depending on the state, home improvement contractors can also serve as general contractors. A general contractor will help facilitate the day-to-day tasks involved in a construction project, finding subcontractors, and securing plans and permits.
There are two points to consider, though. In most cases, home improvement contractors are not “handymen,” which means they typically won’t handle extremely small jobs, such as hanging pictures or replacing door knobs. Also, home improvement contractors only work on residential structures, such as houses and multi-family buildings. Commercial renovations require commercial contractors, though some home improvement contractors might perform both residential and commercial renovations.
Which Residential Renovations Can They Perform?
There’s a wide range of different projects that home improvement contractors in Detroit can handle, and no two companies are exactly the same. However, the following are some examples of projects that home remodeling contractors will typically handle. They can handle:
- Roofing replacements and installations
- Window replacement
- Door replacement
- Siding replacement
- Kitchen remodel
- Bathroom remodel
- Hardwood and vinyl plank flooring installation
- Ceramic tile installation
- Replacement of light fixtures
- Front porch repairs and remodels
- Finished basements and other living spaces
- Whole house renovations
As mentioned, all home remodelers are different, so the home repairs and remodeling projects they offer vary. However, a home improvement contractor should have the skill set to perform detail-oriented work and deliver a beautiful job at the end, whether it’s a basement remodel or multiple exterior renovations.
Choosing the Right Contractor for Home Improvements
Once you’ve determined that a home improvement contractor is indeed the type of person or business for your projects, there are a few steps you need to take:
- Make sure to research and review the list of potential home improvement contractors in the Detroit area.
- Verify that potential contractors have the appropriate licenses and insurance. Detroit itself doesn’t have any home improvement contractor licenses, but Michigan contractors working in excess of $600 must carry a residential builders license or a maintenance and alterations contractor license issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
- Verify their experience by asking for references and performing in-depth research through popular consumer trust and review sites.
- Ask for a portfolio to review to ensure the contractor has the experience to handle your project and will meet your workmanship standards and expectations.
Which Licenses are Required for a Home Remodeling Contractor in Detroit?
Beyond the actual steps of finding a home improvement contractor in Detroit, you do need to know exactly what to look for.
For example, it’s important to verify that any prospective contractors carry the appropriate license for the type of work they’ll perform. As mentioned, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs requires contractors to carry either a Residential Builders License or a Maintenance and Alterations Contractor License. These are non-negotiable requirements for contractors performing work in excess of $600.
Also, contractors performing any electrical work within the City of Detroit need to carry a city-issued license. Plumbers need to carry a state-issued license
Home renovation contractors should proudly display their licensing information, including licensing numbers, on their websites and vehicles. If you’re considering a contractor and want to know if their license is valid, you can look up their licenses with these respective numbers. Licenses don’t guarantee an amazing job, but they do help reduce risks and potential excess costs.
Questions to Ask Prospective Home Improvement Contractors
After you’ve boiled down your prospects to a few local contractors, it’s time to interview them. To help with the interview process, we rounded up the following questions so you know what to ask:
- Do you offer a free estimate or free consultation?
- What is your experience with projects similar to mine?
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have references that I can contact to confirm your experience?
- Do you have a portfolio of finished projects that I can review?
- Have you had any payment issues, insurance lapses, or legal issues in the last 10 years?
- Can I have copies of your general liability, worker’s compensation, and other insurance policies?
- How do you handle any unexpected surprises that might come up during my remodeling project?
- What time can I expect work to begin on my job site, and what time will it end?
- How do payments work? How much is due and when?
- Do you warranty your work? How long does the warranty last?
- How do you communicate with your clients?
- What will happen if my home improvement project is delayed?
- Do you hire subcontractors or complete all your work on your own?
- What is your policy on change orders?
- Do you have a dispute resolution clause in your contract?
The answers to these questions will help most homeowners decide whether or not a contractor is a good fit. However, be sure to verify their responses by checking with their references and following up on review sites and local licensing boards.
Contact Pro Home Improvement for Your Home Renovation Needs
At Pro Home Improvement, we specialize in helping Detroit homeowners tackle their future projects. Our team of skilled professionals can help you design and plan your home renovations, taking them from dreams to reality. We’re fully insured and licensed, and we make sure that customer satisfaction is our main priority. If you need help with your next home project, make sure to contact the experts at Pro Home Improvement today.