Renovating a house is a big project that requires time, effort, and of course, money. As customers first, we at MJ Design & Build have modeled our business on what we believe to be the top characteristics of a great design + build team, with a keen eye on mitigating the common pitfalls that come with renovations. Below are some tips to consider when selecting a company to partner with you on bringing your home renovation dreams to life:

1. Do Your Homework: Research the contractor's credentials and reputation before hiring them. Check online reviews, ask for references, and verify their license and insurance. Nothing beats a personal reference so ask around your neighborhood as well!
2. Get it in Writing: Make sure you have a clear, written agreement that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment terms. This will help prevent misunderstandings down the road. At MJ Design & Build, from pricing to work ethic, we put everything on the table as clearly as possible.
3. Communication is Key: Good communication between you and your contractor team is essential for a successful project. Make sure you have regular check-ins and that your contractor is responsive and forthcoming with information. We at MJ Design & Build pride ourselves on our open, clear and consistent communication with our clients. We create a cadence for written and on-site construction updates so that you’re always in the know. From weekly updates to detailed project management tools for the clients to keep track of progress, we truly believe communication is the key to a great project.
4. Be Realistic: It's important to be realistic about the timeline and budget for your renovation project. A great contractor will guide you through the process so that you can know what to expect and understand what's possible. The MJ Design & Build team loves digging into the "art of the possible" with our clients so that we can help them achieve their goals while staying within budget.
5. Be Prepared for Surprises: The truth is, no renovation project goes exactly as planned, so being prepared for unexpected obstacles is so very important. An experienced contractor can help you understand the potential areas of surprises when opening up walls and flag not just issues but also solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner.

By following these tips, you can avoid some of the major pitfalls when hiring a general contractor and ensure a successful renovation project.