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Looking For The Right Contractor? Westbridge Is Looking For The Right Clients.

01   21

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With so many options for builders, contractors, and designers in the area, finding a contractor that’s right for you can be overwhelming. With loads of builders jumping at the chance to bid on your project, how do you find a contractor that’s right for you? Foremost, how do you find a contractor that won’t rush to provide an inferior result for you and your loved ones.

Remodeling is the second biggest investment you will ever make next to building a home and with a little leg work it is possible to find a contractor that can create the look you’ve always wanted, making your experience painless and even fun.

Many homeowners will simply ‘google’ local builders in their area, choosing the first three they find, and make this critical decision solely by evaluating the different high and low bids they receive. Most often homeowners will select the middle bid, assuming that there is little gamble in going with the firm that offers a ’middle of the road’ estimate. This method though commonly utilized may leave you disappointed with the outcome of your project.

There are several factors to consider when deciding on a contractor. By answering these questions, and following these fundamental guidelines you will undoubtedly see your vision come to fruition.

Finding a builder by word of mouth is not a bad idea because it enables you to ask a friend or family member, namely someone non biased with your best interest in mind to give their honest opinion of the work they received. Although most are unlikely to admit dissatisfaction with their renovation, it is fairly easy to determine by the tone of their response whether they would rehire the contractor in question for future projects. Finding a builder through word of mouth also allows you the exceptional opportunity to look over the completed work. Ask yourself “do I like the design, is the workmanship quality, are the materials sound, etcetera…”?

Make sure to find out how long the prospective builder has been in business. The number of years a builder has been in service can provide you with an accurate reflection of customer satisfaction. Additionally, a contractor with a lengthy service record makes it easier to view previous projects. Feel free to ask when interviewing possible candidates if you can see three similar and recently completed jobs.

Of equal importance is establishing that your potential contractor is licensed and insured. What is the significance of hiring a licensed contractor? Typically a builder that has met all license requirements mandated by state and local authorities, has completed a certain amount of education and training regarding their trade. This also assures you that they have maintained their knowledge of up to date information and advances within their field. Secondly, without licensing, a contractor cannot obtain the permits necessary to build. Penalties for building without a permit come in the form of fines. These fines can be three to ten times the cost of the original permit! This can be avoided without much difficulty by checking a builders’ status at your municipalities regulating facility.

Making sure you’re dealing with a company that is insured with workman’s compensation as well as general liability is essential to a worry free project. Remodeling your home can be smooth and trouble free but only if you have the peace of mind, knowing your builder is fully insured.

Ultimately, what separates the average contractor from the exceptional one is communication. Remember, building or remodeling your home is a partnership between you the customer, and the designers and professionals that are elected to the task of fulfilling your dreams of a happier home. For this reason it is imperative your contractor can listen to your ideas and expectations while offering creative and knowledgeable solutions resulting in your absolute satisfaction and approval with the finished project. In the end you’ll want to trust your instincts and ask yourself, “do I feel comfortable with this person”? Keep in mind they will be in and around your home during agreed upon times for the duration of the project so you’ll want to be certain they are professional, reliable, and trustworthy.

So you found a contractor that meets these requirements, one that “works for you”. But this doesn’t guarantee you will “work for them”. Westbridge Homes unlike many other contractors understands the importance of building a long-lasting relationship with a client. Fred Coyne (founder/principal) believes fostering a good rapport with the client is an integral part of the process. Without a fundamental working relationship difficulties are sure to arise. For this reason, during initial meetings and consultations you may find yourself being interviewed by Westbridge Homes. Sounds unorthodox? That’s because it is. Westbridge differs from the competition by carefully selecting who they work with, ensuring their clients a harmonious experience throughout all phases of the project. This system of picking a client as carefully as they pick you guarantees a smooth collaboration and in the long run allows Westbridge to maintain a schedule, reduce your costs, and create a home that reflects your families’ needs and personalities.

At Westbridge homes we exceed all of aforementioned guidelines. Not only do we boast an extensive list of satisfied customers, but a copious record of awards and achievements presented to us from Horry/Georgetown Homebuilders Association as well. With a Westbridge Home you can rest assured knowing that we are fully licensed and insured. Fred takes pride in his ability to constantly evolve with the clients’ needs as new designs and techniques are streamlined. His many years experience building homes within the Grand Strand have left him with a level of professionalism and expertise rivaled by few. Fred believes that one of the keys to his success has been recognizing homeowners’ visions by establishing a relationship through attentive communication. What does this mean for you? A home that mirrors your personality, one that is as well built as it is unique. So what are you waiting for? Let us at Westbridge Homes show you that great homes start with great relationships.