Plan
Plan your project and your budget carefully. Unless you have a detailed
set of plans with a complete material list and contractor notes, no two
contractors will ever bid the same. Have a plan and then work that plan.
Price
Beware of the cheapest price. The low bid has the illusion of being
a bargain, it's invariably the start of a client horror story. There are
lots of reasons to be suspicious of any price that is substantially
below the others. Once a contractor realizes they have underbid a job,
they'll often find ways to cut corners by using lesser quality
materials, hiring inexperienced labor or worse yet, abandoning the
project altogether. The low bidder could be unlicensed, uninsured or
unqualified. Remember the saying "You get what you pay for".
References
Ask your contractor for references. This is your best way to judge a
contractor's professionalism. Don't simply read the references a
contractor gives you. Take the time to contact several previous clients.
You should also visit one of the contractor's references' either with
the contractor, or on your own.
References are not all the same. There are three types of references you
should examine:
1.Clients within the past 12 months,
or a current job in progress.
2.Clients within the past three
years.
3. Also, check with the county seat
to find if a contractor has been named in any lawsuits.
4.
Check with the Better Business Bureau.
By contacting all these references you'll learn not only about the
quality of the contractors current work, but how well his work and
warranty holds up. Additionally, you'll get a feel for the contractor's
long-term standing with his clients. There are a lot of "Fly by
night" operations out there, and you don't want to be one of the
victims.
Questions
To Ask References
How is the quality of their workmanship?
How timely was the contractor during the course of the job?
How well did the contractor stay on budget according to the original
quote?
How was the contractor's attitude towards changes?
Did the contractor himself visit the job and meet with you?
Did they keep the job site clean and safe?
Would you use this contractor again?
Would you refer them to a friend or relative? Did
they show up when they were supposed to? Did
the contractor finish the job in the allotted time?
Payment
A reputable contractor will never pressure you into signing a contract
on a "must sign now basis" using scare tactics. Protect
yourself by watching out for these warning signs:
1. You are offered a one day only
quote or something similar. You must sign today or the price will
increase substantially tomorrow. These are high pressure tactics that
not be used in securing a reliable contractor.
2.You are asked to pay for the
entire job in advance. Normally a contractor sets up schedules for
payment with the final part coming at the completion of the job
3.The contractor will accept payment
only in cash.
Communication
An experienced contractor will listen to and understand your needs and
wants. When you discuss what you would like to do, the contractor should
show enthusiasm for your ideas and suggest ways to make them work within
your budget. Ask the contractor for examples of how the company has
solved home-improvement challenges for other customers.
Does the contractor:
1.Respond promptly to your
inquiries?
2.Emphasize customer satisfaction?
3.Facilitate and encourage
communication?
4.Provides changes in writing?.
Permits
All states, counties, cities and towns may have different construction
codes, which a builder must understand and follow after obtaining the
permit.
Sometimes the idea of obtaining a permit seems excessive and an
additional to some homeowners, but remember that the building inspection
department is looking out for your best interest and safety. A permit is
required to ensure that the work done is being done properly.
A reputable contractor will obtain the necessary permits needed for your
project. Beware if the contractor asks you to purchase the permit(s).
The person who purchases the building permit is responsible for ensuring
the job is done according to local building codes. This is the
contractor's responsibility, not yours. If you obtain the permit and
your project does not meet local building codes, you will have less
legal recourse against the Contractor. Also, if the contractor asks you
to purchase the permit, it may mean that the contractor is in bad
standing with the local building department and cannot pull the permit
himself.
License
/ Insurance
Some states do not require contractors to obtain a license. Check with
your state's licensing department or local building department. If your
state requires a license, make sure your contractor's license is valid
and current.
A credible contractor should carry insurance that protects you from
claims arising due to property damage or job-site injuries? Each
contractor should have Workman's Compensation Insurance, General
Liability Insurance, and Auto Insurance. Remember to ask for a copy of
the contractor's insurance certificates so you can be sure that you are
not liable for any damage or injuries.
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