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you've always wanted to do. Or, you might have waited so long,
now you need to do the project. Which leads to your first
question - "Where do I start?"
Well, the truth is... some jobs are simply too big, too
complicated, or require too much time to handle on your own.
Whether it's remodeling a kitchen, installing gutters, or
electrical rewiring for your business - you'll likely need an
expert.
A contractor, or subcontractor, can be your 'knight in shining
armor' when it comes to completing your project. But, wait...
you've heard so many horror stories connected with "shady
contractors" that you're starting to re-think this re-model. But
statistics show that the huge majority of contractors out there
are honest, hard-working professionals. Most people are happy
with any improvement project they undertake.
"Fine," you say. "How can I protect myself and make sure I find
a great contractor?" I'm glad you asked. Here are some standard
tips you can follow to make sure your repair, remodel, or
installation goes well:
o Got License? Most states require that a contractor have a
license to operate in that state. Once you find a contractor,
check to see if he or she has a local contracting license to do
the job.
o Check References - get at least three references from
satisfied clients. And if you want to get really fanatical, go
to the contractor's current job site. See if the site is messy.
Are the workers taking care of the property?
o Get Bids - if you have the luxury, get multiple bids from
several contractors. Don't always assume that the lowest bid is
the best, because that contractor may be desperate for work or
might cut corners on the job. But if you get contractor's from
several sources, you could get a really great deal.
o Get it in Writing - the days of the "handshake deal" are far
behind us. Get a detailed contract together and throw everything
in (even if the project doesn't involve the kitchen sink!) The
more you clarify, the fewer headaches you'll have if things go
Know How to Find a Building Contractor? I do!
My husband and I have an acre and a half behind our home and really wanted to do something special on part of it. We also just recently decided to renew our wedding vows and thought what better place to do it, than our very own home. Our dilemma began here because we did not have any ideas about what exactly we wanted. So over dinner one night we decided to talk about what we both envisioned for our wedding day, and what our budget would look like. Since we had been saving for this big event we were pleased with the amount we thought we could spend. So the next step was to look through ..
wrong.
o Do You Take a Check? Don't ever pay in cash. Can you say,
"Proof of payment"? I thought you could... Keep logs of all
payments (for example - 10% down, 20% by one date, another 20%
by another date, final payment when work is complete) and pay
with check or credit card only.
"Wait a minute!" you protest, "That sounds like a lot of work!"
Sure it does. Because it is a lot of work. If you think a
renovation or remodeling job is expensive, imagine having to pay
for it twice! Do your homework and you'll avoid being a horror
story.
"Are there any warning signs of a bad contractor?" you ask.
Boy, you sure do ask a lot of questions. And that's good. Always
ask a lot of questions. The more you know, the better prepared
you'll be to handle the unexpected.
Okay, these are signs a contractor might not be your best
choice:
o If required by the state, your contractor doesn't want to show
you his or her license. Or won't give you references. Or you two
don't get along. Keep in mind: this person may be in your home,
working side-by-side with you, for several months - you'd better
get along!
o Your contractor wants you to pay for the entire project... up
front. Run for the hills.
o Your contractor has a "friend" in the financing business that
can get you a "good deal" on a loan for your project. You'll end
up with a huge "2nd mortgage" at a ridiculously "high rate" and
your "contractor" just got a juicy "commission" on the deal.
o Your contractor doesn't have a business address, a business
card, and it looks like the contractor sleeps in his or her
pickup truck. Run really fast for those hills.
Okay. Now you know some of the warning signs. Here are some
signs you may have found a really good contractor:
General Contractor Liability Insurance This article provides useful, detailed information about General Contractor Liability Insurance.
Normally, it is difficult for general contractors to work without general insurance. General contractor liability insurance is intended to guard operators and owners of companies from claims that may come from a broad spectrum of sources. These exposures could be just about anything, including liability engendered by accidents from the operations of the insured party, contractual liability, products manufactured by the insured party, etc. The liability you select, whether it is one, two ..
o The contractor has at least 4 to 5 years experience. It shows
they can manage their business and complete their projects.
o The contractor has insurance. Liability and worker's
compensation are the most important types of coverage to make
sure everyone is covered.
o The contractor has more than references - he or she may even
carry a book of photos showing past work projects that have been
completed.
o The contractor provides cost breakdowns for the job. These
breakdowns show specific details of what the project will cost
to complete.
o The contractor is flexible. Communicate all your requirements
and specifications for the project. Whether you two decide that
you want to supervise the work or you want to let the contractor
make all the decisions, your contractor will be flexible enough
to work with you.
"Okay, am I ready?" Yes, now you're ready to hire a professional
to help get your home or business improvement project off the
ground. One of the best ways to protect yourself is the act of
due diligence. Webster's defines due diligence as: "The care
that a prudent person might be expected to exercise in the
examination and evaluation of risks affecting a business
transaction." In simplified terms - Do your homework. And you'll
do just fine. Have fun and make the most out of your experience!
About the author:
Timothy K. Clark is the Director of Marketing for the valuable
website ConstructionDeal.com ( http://www.constructiondeal.com)
which specializes in fulfilling all the construction needs of
homeowners and general contractors. We match project owners with
contractors for residential and commercial improvement, repair,
or remodeling work.
Timothy K. ClarkHow to Find the Best Contractor
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