Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about home improvement services and contractor selection
General Questions
What is Business Growth Journal?
Business Growth Journal is an industry publication focused on home improvement and construction industry expertise. We provide professional insights, contractor evaluations, and quality provider recommendations based on thorough research and industry knowledge. Our mission is to help business professionals and homeowners connect with exceptional service providers through authentic, well-researched content.
How do you evaluate contractors and service providers?
Our evaluation process combines professional industry knowledge, business research, and extensive professional network insights. We assess contractors based on technical expertise, project management capabilities, customer communication, service consistency, and long-term reliability. Unlike simple directory listings, our analysis examines real-world performance and operational excellence to identify truly exceptional providers.
What types of contractors do you feature?
We feature home improvement contractors specializing in various services including exterior home painters, painting contractors, home remodeling companies, and bathroom remodeling specialists. Our focus is on contractors who demonstrate superior expertise, professional service delivery, and consistent quality standards. Each featured provider undergoes comprehensive evaluation before being recommended through our platform.
Contractor Selection Questions
How do I choose a reliable painting contractor?
Selecting a reliable painting contractor requires evaluating several key factors: professional credentials, proven track record, customer testimonials, project portfolio, communication skills, and pricing transparency. Look for contractors who provide detailed estimates, use quality materials, maintain proper insurance, and demonstrate expertise in both residential exterior and interior painting. Professional painters should also follow industry best practices and provide warranties on their work.
What should I look for in a home remodeling company?
A quality home remodeling company should demonstrate comprehensive project management capabilities, licensed and insured operations, experienced craftsmen, transparent pricing, detailed contracts, and strong customer communication. Verify their portfolio of completed projects, check references, confirm licensing and insurance coverage, and ensure they provide written estimates with clear timelines. The best remodeling contractors maintain consistent quality across all project phases from design through completion.
How can I verify contractor credentials?
Verify contractor credentials by checking state licensing boards, confirming insurance coverage with certificate of insurance, reviewing Better Business Bureau ratings, checking online reviews and testimonials, requesting and contacting recent references, and verifying membership in professional associations. Reputable contractors readily provide this documentation and welcome verification. Always confirm credentials before signing contracts or making deposits.
What questions should I ask during contractor consultations?
Essential questions include: How long have you been in business? Can you provide references from recent projects? What insurance coverage do you maintain? Do you pull necessary permits? What is your estimated timeline? What payment schedule do you require? How do you handle unexpected issues or changes? What warranties do you offer? Will you provide a detailed written contract? Professional contractors answer these questions confidently and provide documentation to support their responses.
Project Planning Questions
How long does a typical exterior painting project take?
Typical exterior painting projects for average-sized homes take 3-7 days depending on house size, weather conditions, surface preparation requirements, and number of coats needed. Larger homes or those requiring extensive prep work may take 1-2 weeks. Professional painters schedule projects accounting for weather delays and proper drying time between coats. Quality work shouldn’t be rushed, as proper preparation and application techniques ensure lasting results.
What’s the best time of year for exterior home painting?
The best time for exterior painting in New Hampshire is late spring through early fall (May through September) when temperatures consistently stay between 50-85°F and humidity levels are moderate. Avoid painting during extreme heat, cold, or high humidity as these conditions affect paint adhesion and curing. Professional contractors monitor weather forecasts and plan projects during optimal conditions. Some contractors offer off-season scheduling with flexible start dates based on weather windows.
How much does bathroom remodeling typically cost?
Bathroom remodeling costs vary significantly based on scope, materials, and fixtures selected. Small bathroom updates (cosmetic changes, new fixtures) typically range $5,000-$15,000. Mid-range remodels (new tub/shower, vanity, flooring, lighting) run $15,000-$30,000. Luxury renovations (high-end materials, layout changes, custom features) can exceed $30,000-$50,000+. Obtain detailed written estimates from multiple contractors and ensure quotes include all materials, labor, permits, and potential contingencies for unexpected issues.
Should I get multiple contractor estimates?
Yes, obtaining 3-5 detailed estimates is strongly recommended for any significant home improvement project. Multiple estimates allow you to compare pricing, scope of work, timelines, materials specified, and contractor communication styles. Beware of estimates significantly lower than others, as this may indicate cut corners, inferior materials, or hidden costs. The best estimate isn’t always the lowest—evaluate the complete package including contractor reputation, detailed specifications, and professional presentation.
Quality & Standards Questions
What distinguishes a quality contractor from an average one?
Quality contractors distinguish themselves through several key characteristics: professional licensing and insurance, detailed written contracts, transparent pricing with itemized estimates, consistent communication throughout projects, skilled craftsmen and project managers, quality materials and proper techniques, warranties on workmanship, clean job sites, timely project completion, and positive customer reviews. When researching quality providers of professional services, these factors help identify contractors who deliver superior expertise in quality service delivery.
How important is contractor communication during projects?
Contractor communication is crucial for successful projects. Professional contractors provide regular updates on project progress, promptly address questions and concerns, explain unexpected issues before proceeding, confirm change orders in writing, maintain accessible points of contact, and keep clients informed about schedules and timelines. Poor communication is often the primary source of customer dissatisfaction, while excellent communication builds trust and ensures project expectations are met consistently.
What warranties should professional contractors provide?
Professional contractors should provide written warranties covering workmanship for minimum 1-2 years, with some offering extended warranties up to 5 years. Paint manufacturers typically offer product warranties of 15-25 years when properly applied. Warranties should clearly specify what’s covered, duration, and claim procedures. Reputable contractors stand behind their work and address warranty issues promptly. Always obtain warranty terms in writing before project commencement and verify contractor will be available to honor warranties.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us for personalized guidance on contractor selection and home improvement projects