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1. Not knowing what you want. If you don't know what you want, you might not like what you get. Also, if you change your mind and change the job halfway through, the contract - and price - have changed (Hint: it won't get cheaper). Know clearly what you want done.
2. Not getting everything in writing. You don't want to hear, "I didn't say I was going to include the gutters."
3. Not having dates in the contract. Did you want it finished this year? You better have it in the contract.
4. Paying too much up front. A deposit may be a reasonable request when the contract is signed, and money for materials prior to the start date. Never pay in full before the job is finished.
5. Hiring unlicensed contractors. Actually, this can be okay, if you know what you are doing (and he does). The license doesn't mean you get expertise, but it does mean you get leverage. A contractor will right his wrongs to avoid losing that license.
10 Tips for Working With a Contractor
This is the year you re going all out. You re going to build a deck, add a porch, erect a gazebo or lay a patio. You ve done the research. It s well within your capability and you re looking forward to the satisfaction of creating a structure of beauty.
Or not. Yes -- you d like to proceed with an outdoor structure but for you, it isn t a do-it-yourself project. How can you find the right person to do it for you? Here are 10 tips for hiring and working with a contractor.
1. Plan your project carefully. Clip pictures, make sketches, write a description. This will help you accurately convey t ..
6. Hiring the first one in the phone book. Ask friends who had work done, or the owner of a hardware store. Find a recommendation based on a similar job to yours.
7. Thinking there will be no problems. Weather delays, employees quitting, and more will happen. Having problems is okay, but it's not okay if the contractor can't work out the issues to your satisfaction.
8. Expecting neatness. Believe it or not, it is sometimes efficient to leave things laying where they'll next be used. There will be messes, so prepare accordingly. Cover things if it will be a dusty job, for example. Also be clear in the contract that the jobsite will be cleaned up at the end of the job.
9. Not having penalties in the contract. This is important on large jobs. It's one thing to say "Work to be completed by May 2nd," but better to add, "$100 per day to be deducted from the contract price for each day the job is unfinished beyond May 2nd." That's what I call a motivational clause.
10. Thinking contracts will prevent problems. They help, but unreasonable people on either side of a contract can ignore them, or use "literal readings" to make things even worse. Find someone you can work with, and keep your eyes open.
Home Improvement Guide - Choosing A Good And Affordable ContractorWhen making home improvements, some homeowners choose to handle
the project themselves. However, individuals with little home
improvement knowledge will have to rely on a contractor.
Selecting a good and affordable contractor is essential. Because
some contractors are shady and charge ridiculously high fees,
picking the right contractor requires research. Here are a few
tips to help you pick the best contractor for your next home
improvement project.
Get Referrals from Family and Friends
Asking family and friends for the name of a good contractor may
prove worthwhile. If a relati ..
About the author:
Steve Gillman has invested real estate for years. To learn more, and to see a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500, visit http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com
Steve GillmanHiring A Contractor - 10 Tips
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