Tips For Hiring A Contractor
So you’ve decided to renovate. Now come the bumps in the road: financing, timing and hiring the contractor. With the first two behind you all you have to do is “get a good guy” to do the work. However, getting a good contractor to work on you most valuable financial asset may be like skipping through a mine field.
Finding a Contractor
The first step is to decide what kind of a contractor you need by the work that needs to be done.
1. Specialty: If you want new windows installed your best option is to contact several reputable windows establishments because that is their specialty. This means, for the most part, they can get the job down quickly because they have easy access to the product and tradespeople who do this job day in and day out.
2. Renovation: If you are renovating a kitchen or bathroom this encompasses more than one or two trades: electrician, plumber, carpenter. A general contractor hires these trades and oversees the scheduling. Depending on where you live he or she can also save you the time of drawing permits.
3. Additions: Larger projects like room additions which require revamping the structure of your home will need the services of a design/build contractor who either has an architect on staff or deals with a few forms in an ongoing basis.
Where to Find a Contractor
Many contractors use advertisements in local newspapers, magazines, the Yellow Pages and radio and television. Unfortunately, all that takes is upfront money on their part to finance a good ad campaign and is not an indicator of quality work. One of the best ways to start is through your personal contacts: good friends, co-workers and even neighbors who may have had an addition put on or windows installed.
Beware of guys that . . .
* Knock on doors
* Say their license renewal “is in the process as we speak.”
* Accept only cash
* Want you to get the permits
* Ask you for the whole payment up front or a large deposit “to pay for materials.”
* Want you to make your decision to hire them on the spot
* Offer a discount as “a demonstration” home
Questions for Hiring a Contractor
* How long has your business been in operation? Get them to show proof
* Can I see your license? It should be readily available.
* Does this job require a permit? He or she should be able to get it, not you.
* Can I see a list of references? You should be able to phone or go and see these people ( at least 3) and ask them questions.
* Can I see your insurance and the insurance of your subtrades? You want to make sure that if they harm themselves you will not be held responsible. As well you want compensation if anything of yours is damaged during the job.
Payment Tips
* Small deposit: Get the smallest down payment possible
* Increments: Pay off the job in installments
* 100% Complete: Check that all the work has been done and subtrades paid before making the final payment.
* Limit Overages: Question every charge beyond the budget set.
