Whether you’re doing a quick fix or a major home improvement project, you must consider how you’ll finance it. If your savings won’t do the trick, consider contractor financing.

Vet contractors and lenders check with your state’s consumer protection office and consumer review sites. Also, make sure the contractor specializes in your project.

Qualifications

Whether building a new deck, remodeling your kitchen, or adding an addition to your home, choosing the right contractor financing is important. Just as you wouldn’t hire the first applicant for a job, you should narrow down your choices by examining portfolios of past work, checking licensing, asking for referrals and getting competitive bids.

Look for a specialty in your type of project. For example, a contractor specializing in kitchen renovation projects may not be the best choice for renovating a bathroom or adding a second story to your home.

Also, pay attention to small indicators that show professionalism, such as how quickly calls are returned and whether appointments are kept. A good contractor will make these expectations clear in their contract proposal.

Reputation

Your contractor’s reputation has a huge impact on your project’s outcome. Look for good reviews on reputable sites and how the contractor responds to negative reviews.

Ask prospective contractors for contact info for local references who can provide details on the planning and building process. Choose connections who live in your area and have projects similar to yours so they can answer questions about timelines, cost, materials, and other key aspects of the work.

You can also check a contractor’s profile to see their complaint history and customer reviews. Avoid choosing a contractor with numerous unresolved complaints or investigations. They may not be trustworthy or able to perform quality work. Aim for a contractor with an A+ rating.

Insurance

Whether building a deck, installing a new bathroom, or adding a room to your home, finding the right contractor financing is essential. Some contractors offer customer financing, while others use third-party lenders to finance their projects. In either case, you should find out if the contractor is licensed, insured, and bonded before hiring them to work on your renovate project.

Also, understand the terms of any financing you are getting. Whether it is a federal loan, mortgage, home equity, or an unsecured loan, ensure you know the interest rate and monthly payment amount before signing up. Some renovation loans require a minimum amount of home equity, while others may require homeowner’s insurance. Some even require a contractor agreement and construction plans.

Payment terms

If you have the money, using a credit card with a low introductory rate could save you interest as long as you can pay off your debt before the promotional period ends. This option is less risky than a home improvement loan, which requires owning your home and having adequate equity.

For medium projects that last a few months, contractors often require an initial deposit and schedule payment amounts regularly throughout the project. It helps avoid any cash flow issues arising from unexpected delays.

Contractor payment terms are essential to any construction contract, so ensure they’re clearly defined and discussed with your client before starting the work. Irregular or inconsistent payment terms can hurt your business and put you at a disadvantage.

Customer service

One of the most important aspects of customer service is to provide excellent communication with your clients. It can include emails, phone calls, social media, and face-to-face meetings. Customers who feel you are responsive and listen to their feedback will likely trust you with their projects.

In addition to providing excellent communication, it’s a good idea to follow business etiquette. It means avoiding typos in emails and always responding to messages promptly.

Homeowners should carefully select contractor financing options to ensure the project is affordable and within their budgets. Choosing the right choice can help them realize their visions for their homes without undue financial strain. Contractors that offer consumer financing can attract a much wider pool of homeowners than those who only accept cash or credit.