Dreaming up a new luxury kitchen or lavish spa-like bathroom is part of the fun when you're considering a remodel but choosing the right company to carry out the work is crucial. A contractor will be the person who will spend your money by tearing out your fixtures, ripping up the flooring, and possibly breaking down the walls. You need to find one that you can trust because you'll be traveling together when you embark on your remodel journey! First, you should make a list of possible contractors and visit each of their websites. Reputable contractors will know that their website is a new client's first impression of his company. Glance at the testimonials and scroll through their project gallery. Do you like what you see? Dedicating some time to online research is very helpful and usually eliminates some names from your list and possibly some future headaches.
To minimise surprises and to ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible, these six questions will help guide you on your quest for the perfect contractor:
- Can you provide any references?
Past clients are the best resources when it comes to gathering intel on a prospective contractor.
Ask your contractor if you can speak to some of his previous clients who had similar remodels done. You can ask them questions like, 'Was the work completed on time and within budget?', and 'Were there any unforeseen issues that arose, and if so, how were they handled?' If a contractor isn't comfortable sharing contact info from past clients, that's a huge red flag, and it's time to move on to the next name on your list.
- How long has your company been operating in Dubai?
To survive as a contracting company in Dubai, you must perform quality work and maintain a good reputation with suppliers and other contractors. Visit their website and see how long they've been operating in Dubai. While there, check out what brands they are associated with and if they've established any strategic partnerships. A brand would never risk aligning itself with a mediocre, unprofessional, or unreliable contracting company.
- Do you have any safety procedures or safety protocols in place?
Respectable and considerate contractors have extensive safety procedure documents and programs that protect their employees, the worksite, and, most importantly, your wallet. Also, be sure to ask if there are protocols in place for COVID-19 safety and prevention.
- Are permits required to start the work?
Permits are required for most professional remodeling jobs. This ensures a building inspector has reviewed the project and approves the methods and work needed to be carried out. If a prospective contractor tells you he can save you money by doing the job without the required permits, walk away!
- Can you provide a breakdown of costs?
Don't settle for a lump sum estimate. Only when a remodel project costs are itemised can you accurately compare pricing between contracting companies. When you see the individual prices, it's easier to identify areas where you can make changes if you need to reduce costs.
- Are your employees qualified to do the work?
As a villa owner, you have every right to know who will be inside your villa for the duration of the project. Don't be shy about asking to see the remodel team's work visas. Not only will it list their legal job description as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation – which will tip you off as to whether they're qualified or not - but you'll also know immediately if they're legally employed by holding a valid visa.
Once you've thoroughly assessed each potential contractor and their estimates for the work you'd like completed, it's time to make your decision. Don't allow yourself to be pressured into moving forward before you're 100% comfortable. Be sure to make your choice confidently, and then sit back and let them do all the work!
