Top Remodeling Contractors in Cambridge, MA

The important steps to remember when finding a good local remodeling contractor:

Reviews - Check the contractor’s website and social media to see what their previous clients have said about their home remodeling work.

Past projects - Often, you’ll be able to find pictures of their previous work on their website or social media. If people are really happy with their remodeled home, they often post pictures on social media and then tag the remodeling contractor.

Up-to-date licenses - It would be useful to know what licenses and registration are needed for renovations companies in your state, and then make sure your contractor is up to standard.

Word of mouth - Generally people like to talk, so ask around for recommendations from your friends and neighbors to see if there is a top remodeling contractor in your community. It’s really important to hire someone you can trust, and if they already have a good reputation in your town, you can probably trust that they’ll treat you well too.

Compare prices - You can get a quote from a number of remodeling contractors or renovations companies to see who has the best going rate compared to the best reputation. Check to see how much each is charging for labor vs. the estimated cost of materials for the home remodeling.

Check out this article for more tips on hiring the best remodeling contractor for the job. It has further details on this topic.

Hiring a remodeling contractor can put you in a vulnerable position. Not only are you inviting someone you don’t know into your home, but you’re also allowing them to take your home apart and put it back together.

With this in mind, the following tips are recommended:

• Have a written contract that outlines all the work to be completed and the pricing.
• Note any additions to scope that come up as the project progresses, including additional materials and sizing issues.
• Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured.
• Ask for referrals and follow them up. Ask previous clients what they have to say about the work, including the quality and price, and whether the remodeling contractor stayed on budget.
• Pay attention to the contractor’s style of communication and how he/she is able to communicate about the project. Are they willing to discuss details about their progress? Are they willing to be flexible?
• Get a written estimate from the renovation company or remodeling contractor. Make sure it’s detailed and includes all the supplies needed, the rate per hour of work, and any other factors such as a timeline or special orders.

Depending on the project, you may be required to pay a deposit for the work. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, “Receiving some sort of down payment at signing is a good practice to ensure a customer’s sincere intent to do the project. A payment schedule should be part of the contract language. Typical down payments are 25% to 33%. Sometimes even higher depending on the type of work being done. A down payment is highly recommended when products have to be ordered by the contractor immediately.”

You may be able to negotiate the percentage of the down payment, especially if you have established good communication with them. Ask your remodeling contractor what they expect and work out an agreeable percentage, but never pay the total cost upfront.

While it may be tempting to take on a remodeling project on your own, it's usually wise to hire a professional remodeling contractor for the job. Hiring a pro may save you money down the road because a pro can help you avoid costly mistakes and possible miscalculations. A remodeling contractor will carry liability and workers compensation insurance, which is set up to protect both the homeowner and contractor.

As you consider how to move forward with your home remodeling vision, you’ll have to consider which parts (if any) you can do yourself and what will have to be done professionally. For example, you may know how to paint a room, but don’t have the first clue about drywalling or knocking down a wall. These are things you probably don’t want to just take a swing at yourself.

These are some other issues people sometimes encounter when doing a DIY remodeling of their home:

• Time — When it comes down to it, you simply don’t have the hours to put toward a home remodeling project.
• Effort — What sounds simple enough in theory sometimes turns out to be rather laborious, and is no longer worth the DIY bragging rights.
• Money — You may not save much money with a DIY project because you a) might cause damage, b) may need to redo some of your work, and c) may not get the materials for the same rate as the renovation company.

Having a solid plan up front will make hiring a remodeling contractor well worth your while.

Requirements for contractor licensing vary from state to state. Approximately 35 states require licenses. In some states, requirements for licensing are very lenient, so the licenses might not mean much to the consumer. In other states, a license means the contractor has a good track record.

Make sure licenses are up-to-date when hiring a renovations company or general contractor. Some states require different licensing categories and/or requirements, so it would be wise to read up on those of your state and check to see if your contractor’s license covers the type of work needed. Never hire a remodeling contractor that doesn’t have or can’t produce their license for working in your state, no matter their reason. Most states require that a license be obtained by any remodeling contractor performing work valued over $500.

With a license, the contractor should be up to date on current building codes, safety policies, disposal of hazardous materials, labor and employee hiring, and permitting. If the contractor doesn’t produce the paperwork, you may want to consider going in another direction.

Proof of a license does not always guarantee good work. Other than checking on a remodeling contractor’s license, homeowners should make sure a potential contractor carries liability and workers compensation insurance. Homeowners should scrutinize contractor’s reviews, look at a portfolio of past work, and look into a pro’s local reputation.

There are many factors involved when it comes to hiring a professional home remodeling contractor. Consider variables such as the complexity and size of the space being renovated, the cost and quality of materials, and the number of subcontractors and labor required.

Don’t go by the price itself, however. Though you’ll collect many estimates from remodeling contractors, don’t let price be the deciding factor. If you pay less, you may get less. Beware of any estimates that stand out as being lower (or higher, for that matter) than the rest.

Get several estimates and make sure they’re itemized (time, materials, costs, etc.) so you can compare various quotes. You may find that the higher cost is worth the money.

Some common things that will likely increase the cost of a remodeling contractor:

• Electrical or plumbing work is involved.
• The materials are imported.
• The project is complex (several rooms, a particularly unique design, extra-heavy materials).
• The time of year. Most people do their renovations in the late spring and summer, making it the season where demand allows for higher rates.

Consult the free Porch project cost guides to get an idea about how much a home renovation project may cost in your area.

The benefits of having one general contractor outweigh any other situation, including you trying to juggle all the different aspects of the project yourself. Hire a general contractor to manage subcontractors and schedule all the work.

There are many different types of contractors based on the kind of labor they’re trained in. For example, there are concrete contractors, HVAC contractors, closet contractors, kitchen contractors, and roofing contractors. Once you determine the specific work that needs to be done for your home remodeling project, you can look for a particular kind of contractor. If you need to remodel a whole room, you can get a contractor specific to that or to the kind of material you’ll be using, like drywall or plaster.

Since different types of contractors can potentially work on your home remodel, having a general contractor to outsource is the best way to go. When subcontractors are bringing on a crew, make sure that it’s a solid team and that everyone is on the same page with costs, materials, and the design of the remodeling vision. Everyone should know their work well and be properly licensed according to your state regulations.

Choosing a local remodeling contractor who knows the best local subcontractors is a smart way to go. Contractors and laborers often collaborate, especially in smaller towns. Making good contracting decisions will ensure that you’ll enjoy both the progress and results of your next home remodeling project. Remember that communication is the key to success. Setting reasonable expectations, establishing a good repertoire, and regularly checking in will lead to a smooth, easy home improvement project.