Local vs. Out-of-Town Contractors: Who to Choose for Your Fort Myers Beach Renovation?

A beach house renovation in Fort Myers is an exciting project, as you will have a place to spend the summer months with the family. However, such a project entails a huge cost, so you should think long and hard when planning it to make it worth the investment. There is probably no bigger factor to consider during your Fort Myers beach renovation than hiring a contractor. You have two options: local or out-of-town contractors. 

So, which contractor should you hire for the renovation project? We will discuss the pros and cons of each choice so you can choose the right Fort Myers contractor.

Why Choose a Local Contractor in Fort Myers?

When undergoing a Fort Myers Beach renovation project, the first instinct is to choose a contractor within the local area. This decision makes the most sense because it offers several benefits.

1. Faster and More Efficient Communication

Working with local contractors offers the unique advantage of faster communication and prompt response from the contractors regarding concerns about the project. If you work with local contractors, you can visit them in their local office, or they can drop by the site to monitor the job progress. Therefore, these instances offer the chance to communicate with the contractor about the job update or if you have any concerns you want to be addressed immediately.

In-person meetings are a breeze since they can visit the site, or you can drop by their office. You won't have to rely on technology for communication, such as email or social media. Also, it must be pointed out that no chat or video call could replace the efficiency and clarity of communication offered by in-person meetings.

Many homeowners undergoing a renovation project within the Fort Myers area choose local contractors solely for this reason. 

2. Expertise in Local Climate and Unique Building Requirements

The climate can significantly vary from state to state or even among counties within the same state. Therefore, you experience unique benefits when you choose a local contractor for your home renovation project, as they can consider the climate and other local environment factors in planning the project. 

In addition, they can make professional recommendations on the best materials to use for the renovation that would suit your local climate. Choosing suitable materials is even more important when renovating beachside properties, as there are additional environmental concerns to consider. 

3. Local Knowledge of Building Codes

Aside from knowing local climate and environmental factors, working with local contractors also helps you stay abreast of current building codes. These building codes differ from state to state; therefore, out-of-state contractors won’t necessarily be up-to-date on the building codes within your area. 

For your own safety and to avoid stiff penalties from the state and local government, choose a local contractor who can inform you of the latest building codes and regulations that apply to your project. Now would also be a good time to emphasize that you should hire licensed and certified contractors. Even if you hire a contractor within your local area, you cannot guarantee they will follow strict building codes if they are not certified or licensed. 

4. Cost- and Time-Effective

A lesser-known benefit of hiring local contractors for your beach renovation project in Fort Myers is their cost-effectiveness. If you were to hire out-of-state contractors, most would charge excess fees for the travel costs and logistics of their equipment. Meanwhile, choosing local contractors means you won't incur those additional charges since there is a shorter commute. You can avoid the extra charges and use these savings toward other expenses, such as the materials. 

In addition to the cost savings, hiring local contractors in Fort Myers can also save you time. The shorter travel time enables the team to complete the work on time.

5. Reliable References

Another lesser-known advantage of choosing local contractors for your renovation project is that you can access reliable references. If the contractor operates within your city or state, you will most likely find people you know who have worked with them. You can solicit feedback from the people you know – and whose opinion you trust – about the contractor before hiring them.

On the other hand, choosing an out-of-town contractor would require you to do most of your research online. However, you cannot determine the credibility of online reviews. Therefore, you would benefit more from gathering actual feedback from the people you know.

Why Work with Out-of-Town Contractors?

You should not completely ignore the option to hire an out-of-town contractor for a beach renovation project in Fort Myers. These benefits should help you consider hiring these contractors.

1. Expertise Not Available in Your Local Area

If you have a specific idea about how to do the home renovation and your options are limited within your local area, it’s best to consider out-of-town contractors. Specialist projects require specialist skills and expertise. If you have limited options within Fort Myers, it’s time to start looking elsewhere.

2. Competitive Rates

An out-of-town, bigger contractor can leverage their size and capabilities to offer competitive pricing versus local contractors. For example, bigger contractors can offer savings on labor costs or equipment because they have more benefits of scale. 

When choosing out-of-town contractors, for this reason, make sure that the benefits and savings you can get outweigh the disadvantages you face with this option.

So, Which Option is Better?

Choosing between a local or out-of-town contractor for a renovation project in Fort Myers does not have to be complicated. It depends on your needs, budget, and time frame for the project. Consider the benefits offered by each contractor based on your checklist. 

In addition, it also pays to research the specific contractor you’re considering, regardless if they are a local or out-of-town company. Look at how long they’ve been in the industry, their specialization, and their portfolio. You should also review their warranty policies and check for proof of insurance. Checking out this information will inform you of your decision on which option to go with regarding hiring the right contractor for your project in Fort Myers.