Whether you’re remodeling your entire home or just one room in your home, hiring the right contractor for the job is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Having a reliable, courteous contractor who works efficiently, professionally and can envision exactly what you’re envisioning is the magic recipe for your project’s success.

Before hiring a contractor, here are five things to take into consideration.

1. Know your vision and budget. Before reaching out to a contractor, know what your general needs and wants are for the project. What are your goals for the visual look and feel? What amenities or special features do you need or want? What is your overall budget?

2. Know your timeline. Make sure both you and your contractor both have a clear agreement on the project’s schedule. This means a start date and end date. Also be sure to agree on a schedule of what days and times workers will be on site.

3. Know their capability. What kind of similar projects has the contractor worked on before? Do they have a portfolio of work they can show you? How long have they been in business? Do they have any references they can provide you with? These are all among some of the very first questions you should ask.

4. Know how to communicate. In this day and age when all kinds of instant communication is available at our fingertips, make sure your contractor knows the best way to update you on the project. Whether via daily text messaging, email or an old-fashioned phone call, be clear about what form of communication works best, and how often you’d like to stay updated on the project.

5. Know who you’ll be working with. Who will be your main point of contact throughout your project? How many people will be on the job site each day? Who will be responsible for supervising any subcontractors? Depending on the size and of the company you hire, the answer could vary widely. Also, is the company accredited? What is their BBB rating? Are they members of Angie’s List?

Since 2007, Tomas Brothers Home Improvement LLC has been providing homeowners in Anne Arundel County and throughout Maryland with a broad spectrum of professional and quality home improvement services. Family-owned and operated, Tomas Brothers Home Improvement LLC believes communication is key to all successful projects, and we pride ourselves on implementing constant contact as well as a project schedule and timeframe with each client.