Acquiring estimates is an important aspect of finding the best home builder for your next remodel or home addition. But there is more that goes into it than just picking up the phone. B & D Home Improvement, a building and remodeling firm in North Haven, CT, offers these four important tips to requesting estimates from home builders:

• Get Several Estimates: Never settle with the first firm that gives you an estimate. Always get several estimates so you can compare costs. It will also allow you to learn more about the market, and get a better idea of what a home addition or remodel will really cost.

  

• Always Get Written Estimates: Phone estimates will not give you an accurate idea of how much each piece of the remodel or home addition will cost. Because every contractor and job are different, you should get everything in writing. Written estimates are much easier to compare with one another. Plus, if home builders send you a written estimate, they cannot easily retract what they've quoted you.

• Ask For Itemizations: On your written estimate, ask for the costs to be broken down and itemized. That way you'll notice whether, for example, one estimate includes “demolition and clean up,” and another doesn't. And if there is an extreme price difference between two firms, there might be reasons other than one simply charges more. So when in doubt, get clarification.

• Think Before Choosing The Lowest Bidder: You won't necessarily be getting the best value by choosing the lowest price. A home builder that charges very little might be inexperienced, do poor work, or have forgotten to include important aspects of the work in their estimate. They could even be scamming you. When making your decision, always choose the firm that gives you everything you want from home improvement contractors.

If you're considering a home addition or remodel, B & D Home Improvement, led by owner William Kyrtopoulos, is confident in its superior work and can't wait to assist you with your home improvement project. To request your free in-home estimate, call (203) 239-1974 or email ladydi_2455@yahoo.com. You can also visit their website to learn more about what sets North Haven, CT's top home improvement contractors apart from the rest.