1: RELIABILITY IS NUMBER ONE.
If your state requires a contractor's license, make sure he has one. Additionally, he should have been in business for 5 years or more, carry workmen's compensation and general liability insurance (get copies of the policies). Finally, make sure he doesn't need your check to pay this month's bills.
2: STANDS BEHIND HIS WORK.
The only way to judge workmanship is through on-site inspection. Ask for references and arrange to examine projects similar to yours from previous jobs. Most contractors will carry photo books to show you samples of their work.
3: THE TEAMWORK TEST.
There are two ways to go. If you want to leave the details to an expert, then hire one whose decisions you trust. If you want to be involved in every decision, then hire a contractor who is comfortable with close supervision. The best contractor you can hire is one that cares as much as you do. They do exist.
4: BIDDING THE JOB.
To get comparable bids for your project, write out the specifications, including sample building materials and fixtures and give copy to each contractor submitting a bid. The more detailed the specifications, the easier it will be to compare bids because all should use same materials in their cost breakdowns. Hire a designer to create project specifications, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
5: CHECK PRICES.
Double check all the prices the contractors give you and request a cost breakdown sheet. This should include materials, fixtures, labor and expenses (including building permits and subcontractor bids). Additionally, make sure you get a timetable.
6: DON'T GIVE UP.
The projects that turn out the best are the ones where you have not walked away. Even the best contractor needs to be supervised. Make your final payment only when the work is completed to your satisfaction. 30% is a reasonable down payment upon delivery of materials. Finally, pay by check with the contractor's company name. - 15359
If your state requires a contractor's license, make sure he has one. Additionally, he should have been in business for 5 years or more, carry workmen's compensation and general liability insurance (get copies of the policies). Finally, make sure he doesn't need your check to pay this month's bills.
2: STANDS BEHIND HIS WORK.
The only way to judge workmanship is through on-site inspection. Ask for references and arrange to examine projects similar to yours from previous jobs. Most contractors will carry photo books to show you samples of their work.
3: THE TEAMWORK TEST.
There are two ways to go. If you want to leave the details to an expert, then hire one whose decisions you trust. If you want to be involved in every decision, then hire a contractor who is comfortable with close supervision. The best contractor you can hire is one that cares as much as you do. They do exist.
4: BIDDING THE JOB.
To get comparable bids for your project, write out the specifications, including sample building materials and fixtures and give copy to each contractor submitting a bid. The more detailed the specifications, the easier it will be to compare bids because all should use same materials in their cost breakdowns. Hire a designer to create project specifications, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
5: CHECK PRICES.
Double check all the prices the contractors give you and request a cost breakdown sheet. This should include materials, fixtures, labor and expenses (including building permits and subcontractor bids). Additionally, make sure you get a timetable.
6: DON'T GIVE UP.
The projects that turn out the best are the ones where you have not walked away. Even the best contractor needs to be supervised. Make your final payment only when the work is completed to your satisfaction. 30% is a reasonable down payment upon delivery of materials. Finally, pay by check with the contractor's company name. - 15359
About the Author:
Steven M. Fisher is well known in the Home Remodeling , Building and Interior Decorating Fields. Before you buy any big purchases for your home, check out the Home Remodeling Portal where you will find all the information you need at the click of a mouse, in addition to several more "6 Things To Know Before Your Buy..." articles.
