When you’re planning a remodel or addition to your Forever Home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right Contractor. The right Contractor will communicate clearly, respect your home, and work seamlessly with your Architect. The wrong choice, on the other hand, can create delays, extra costs, and unnecessary stress.
Many homeowners tell us that choosing a Contractor is one of the most stressful parts of a remodel or addition. That’s why a structured approach — starting with early research, evaluating qualifications, and trusting your instincts — can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to find a Contractor who will help bring your Forever Home vision to life.
Start Early: Your Contractor Research Begins During Design
Once you’ve approved your Schematic Design, it’s the perfect time to begin researching potential Contractors for your project. Even while we continue developing your drawings, you can start narrowing down your list.
Where to Find Contractors
Here are some of the most effective ways to start:
• Past Projects: If you see a Contractor’s name on a project, it’s usually a sign the homeowners and the Architect were satisfied with their work.
• Personal Recommendations: Ask friends, neighbors, your Realtor, or trusted financial advisors.
• Online Resources:
- Houzz.com
- NARI.org (National Association of the Remodeling Industry)
- TBBA.net (Tampa Bay Builders Association)
• Your Architect: While we cannot formally recommend Contractors, we can share a list of Contractors we know from past projects. This list is a helpful starting point but is not vetted.
A Note About Early Cost Discussions
Many homeowners want to ask, “How much will this cost?” too soon. At this stage, the Contractor usually doesn’t have enough information for an accurate bid. However, they can provide general guidance or suggest phased estimating services — sometimes for a nominal fee, which may be credited if you hire them.
Your Goal Right Now: Build a Shortlist of Contractors
At this stage, focus on finding Contractors who are a good fit for:
- your project type
- your location
- your estimated timeline (for the Construction Documents phase)
- your communication style
- your comfort level and trust
Here’s what to look for as you reach out.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Narrowing Down Your Contractor List
1. Do they take your project seriously?
Tell the Contractor you’ve hired an Architect and offer a brief description of your project. This signals that you are organized and committed. Their response will tell you a lot.
Client Perspective: One of our clients was living out of state and considering a Contractor who would bring his crew and stay locally during the week, returning home on weekends. While this was a viable option, the client ultimately chose a local Contractor with many years of remodeling experience. The local Contractor knew the best subcontractors, supply houses, and local materials — and was also interested in green building practices. The collaboration was smooth, productive, and the project turned out beautifully. Sometimes the “local advantage” and shared values make all the difference.
2. Do they handle this size and type of work?
Clearly describe your project. Example:
“A 750 square foot second-story addition with a new staircase, two bedrooms, and one bathroom.”
3. Do they work in your area?
Some smaller Contractors only serve specific towns or neighborhoods, while larger firms may have multiple crews.
4. How do you feel about them?
Set aside costs for a moment. Ask yourself:
- Which Contractor feels most trustworthy?
- If a major issue came up during construction, who would you trust to resolve it?
- Were they courteous and attentive on the phone or in person?
From a Recent Project: Another client was deciding between two Contractors for a remodel. One Contractor complained about “too much detail” in the drawings and suggested leaving parts out. This raised a red flag, and the homeowners trusted their gut — they chose the other Contractor. That choice has proven successful: the Contractor respects the design process, communicates potential issues early, and collaborates with both the Architect and the homeowners to resolve surprises. Other Contractors who ignored details or made unilateral decisions created stress and unexpected changes.
5. How do they communicate during construction?
Some Contractors use digital platforms to manage the project — scheduling subcontractors, tracking progress, and even uploading daily photos. This keeps you informed and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
Verify Licenses and Credentials
In Florida, you can check a Contractor’s license at www.myFloridalicense.com. You can search by license number, company name, or the licensee’s name. This will verify:
- The license is active
- Who is named on the license
- The license type and year it was first issued
Trust, but verify. It’s an essential step to protect yourself.
Formal Review: Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Once you’ve narrowed your list, ask each Contractor for a formal overview of their qualifications. Key items to request include:
- Company information: years in business, typical annual construction volume
- Experience: projects similar to yours, self-performed vs. subcontracted
- Communication & paperwork practices: meetings, documentation, platforms used
- Financial transparency: sample estimates, invoices, payment terms, retainage
- Safety & security standards: lockboxes, key management, material storage
- References: 3 recent homeowners with similar projects
This consistent approach makes it easier to compare Contractors objectively.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right Contractor is critical for a smooth, successful project. Start early, ask the right questions, verify credentials, and trust your instincts. Real-life client experiences show that the right match — whether local expertise, shared values, or communication style — can make all the difference. Doing this upfront reduces stress, avoids costly mistakes, and helps ensure your home is built with care.
When you’re ready to take the next step toward your Forever Home, visit ForeverHomeArchitect.com.
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