How to Choose the Right Luxury Home Remodeler

Are you ready to transform your Virginia home? You may have plenty of good ideas for a kitchen or bathroom remodel, but to bring them to life, you must partner with the right luxury home builder. Follow these steps to help narrow down which remodeler to choose for the job.

Get Advice

Start by asking friends, neighbors, and coworkers which company they used for their recent home renovations. Then, search online to find contractors in the Alexandria, Fairfax, and Arlington areas. Finally, read and compare online reviews. The goal is to collect a list of 10 to 15 remodelers so you can narrow down the best candidates for the job.

Review Portfolios

While you’re online, check out the portfolios of various certified luxury builders. A photo gallery of recent projects gives you an idea of their capabilities and may inspire your project by helping you think of features and finishes you hadn’t before.

Look at Qualifications

By now, your list should be narrowed down to around six or eight luxury home builders. Now, it’s time to compare credentials to ensure you hire a legitimate company. You may be able to obtain some information online, but be willing to make a few calls if necessary. Eliminate any contenders from your list that can’t answer “yes” to all of the following questions:

• Is your company licensed to remodel homes in Virginia?
• Are your builders certified?
• Do you have liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance?
• Have you been in business for at least a decade?
• Do you have any awards and affiliations?

Ask for References

Now, you should have your list narrowed down to a handful of contenders. This is the time to speak with past customers one-on-one to get unbiased opinions about what it’s like to work with that remodeler. It’s common practice to request references, so the companies you’re considering should be prepared to provide you with a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of clients they have worked with in the past.

When you call each reference, ask these types of questions:

• Did the builder stay on schedule and within budget?
• Was the remodel cost upfront and reasonable?
• Did the job site stay neat and orderly throughout the process?
• Did you experience any problems? If so, how were they addressed?
• Was the remodeler on time for appointments and workdays?
• How has the work held up over the months/years?

Request Bids

When you feel ready, collect job estimates from three or four remodelers. This involves having an in-home consultation to determine your needs. Within a few days, the contractor should have a bid prepared. Remember, it’s not always best to go with the lowest remodel cost, especially if it’s significantly lower than the other estimates. A low-ball price could mean you end up receiving substandard products or have fees tacked on at the end, negating any savings you thought you would get.

After selecting a certified luxury builder for the job, look over the written contract and only sign if it’s balanced and fair. Now, you can move forward with the remodeling project, feeling fully confident that you’re working with one of the best luxury builders in Alexandria, Fairfax, and Arlington.

Contact a Luxury Builder in Fairfax County & Arlington County

J&F Specialties is pleased to provide luxury home building services in Virginia. We offer a personal touch on every project we complete, providing uncompromising quality thanks to our excellent attention to detail. We focus on listening to your needs with no preconceived notions about what you might be looking for. You’ll love our consultative approach and focus on customer service, complete with upfront pricing, regularly scheduled meetings during the renovation, and your 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed.

To learn more about our home renovation process, or to schedule an in-home consultation, please contact us today.