Hiring the Right Contractor at the Right Price

Before you build the right home or make the right renovations, you need to hire the right contractor. Marshall Hickox, the President and RME of Homeworks Construction, will share the fundamentals at the upcoming BIG Home Building & Remodeling Show, January 19-21, 2024 at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. As the company marks nearly three decades of excellence on Oahu, they are ready to provide local families with guidance. The company has frequently presented on topics including public forums on homebuilding, renovations, and more. We asked for a brief overview of the seminar and what attendees should expect.

Define Your Vision
Before research begins, define what you want. Are you envisioning a kitchen transformation, a bathroom upgrade, or a total overhaul of your home? Hickox advises, “A clear vision guides you toward finding a contractor with the right expertise.” During the seminar, delve into the nuances of project types, and understand what you need to create a tangible plan.

Recommendations Matter
Reputations are earned and looking for recommendations is a must. “Your friends, family, and co-workers may not be experts on homebuilding, but they are experts on their own experience,” said Hickox. Seek recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues. Let their experiences guide you toward contractors with a track record of reliability, good communication, and quality craftsmanship.

Licensed, Bonded, Insured
Your home is your biggest asset and quite literally your security from the outside world. Protecting your home and investment begins with hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor. Hickox stresses, “Ask for licensing information and research the number with the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs’ Professional and Vocational Licensing website.” It’s not just about legal compliance; it’s a commitment to professionalism, ensuring your peace of mind throughout the process. If the business provides a number you can’t find, or it seems like the number is used by another company, it’s a clear red flag.

The Art of Project Matching
Experience matters, especially when it comes to homebuilding and renovation projects. Don’t hire a contractor specializing in bathtub conversions for a full home renovation. Hickox advises, “Look for a contractor with experience building projects similar to what you want.” The seminar will guide you on aligning your project with a contractor’s specific expertise, ensuring a seamless and successful outcome.

Portfolio Poetry
Homeowners should explore past projects, delve into galleries, and peruse the digital and print marketplace for home and remodeling projects created locally. Hickox highlights, “By looking at past projects, you get insight into their craftsmanship, design sensibilities, and the type of projects they do.” It’s also important that your contractor understand Hawaii’s unique climate, building, and legal landscape. So, make sure your contractor has built projects locally.

Communication is Everything
The seminar will cover communication styles, mechanisms, and things to look for early-on. Hickox shares, “Assess the contractor’s ability to articulate ideas, listen to your vision, and address concerns.” Clear and frequent communication keeps things running smoothly and makes it easy to avoid surprises and expensive mistakes.

Clear Estimates
How much will all of this cost? Homeowners should understand what should be included in an estimate and the questions to ask when presented with multiple estimates. Single-line prices, missing materials, or verbal agreements raise red flags. The seminar will cover what is included in a comprehensive estimate, how to compare estimates, and what you need to know about deposits and timelines.

Attend the seminar on Saturday, January 20th at 12:30 pm with admission to the BIG Home Building & Remodeling Show. Homeworks Construction will have a booth at the event from January 19-21 to answer questions and talk about your projects. Head to their website homeworkshawaii.com for more information. To see more of Homeworks Construction’s incredible work, check out this beautiful Universal Design in our October/November 2023 issue.

Where: Blaisdell Exhibition Hall
When: January 20, 2024 at 12:30 pm
Who: Marshall Hickox, President Homeworks Construction
What: Seminar How to Hire the Right Contractor at the Right Price