|
Finding A
Reliable Contractor
Home repair, kitchen renovation and improvement is a
process you may not be familiar with until it becomes time
to tackle a project on your home. All homeowners at some
point will need to have some type of work done. Finding
the right contractor to renovate your kitchen can be
stressful, challenging and sometimes a very pricey
experience.
Home improvement fraud ranks as one of the top 5
complaints with the Attorney General's Office year after
year. Just being informed can protect you or people you
know from being conned by a contractor. Asking the
contractor the "right" questions gives you a piece of mind
that is priceless.
There's a lot to learn about which products to use and
what procedures best meet your individual needs. Because
of this lack of knowledge, homeowners can easily be taken
advantage of by people calling themselves home improvement
contractors. Therefore, it's absolutely vital to know that
you can rely on the contractor you choose to give you good
advice about those products and procedures that may be new
to you. Being able to trust your contractor with your
vision may not always prove easy. The key is to find the
right contractor for your renovation from the beginning.
Determining the reliability, reputation and experience of
the contractor may take some time but will be time well
spent!
Hiring an unlicensed contractor is inadvisable. When his
bid comes under the others for your renovation your
thrilled, but when the work is done you discover mediocre
materials and shabby workmanship. Then of course the
contractor is nowhere to be found and you discover
why;unlicensed. You also discover you can be held reliable
for on the job injuries or insurance. Not complying with
city or county codes and correcting problems are all your
responsibility when not dealing with a licensed
contractor. You can even be held for his illegal acts.
Hiring an unlicensed contractor is risky business to say
the least.
Licensed contractors however, are subject to laws designed
to protect both you and your investment against empty
promises and careless construction.
In general, most contractors are competent, honest,
hard-working, financially responsible, and licensed. First
of all keep all your plans with accurate details for the
contractor that will enable him to price out the work and
cost. Always shop around and get at least three bids from
licensed contractors. Ask to see the contractors license
and make sure the bids have his license number on it.
Check their standing with the State license board before
you sign the contract or allow work to begin. Be sure to
check the contractors references that you have gotten in
writing. Call the people and see if they were satisfied
with the work or drive out and examine their work. Get
everything in writing with all changes to be signed by
you. Understand what your signing and make sure everything
you have requested be in the contract. No rushing on the
signing of the contract especially if you are not sure
about something on the contract.
Make frequent inspections of your project and have a final
walk through. Pay directly to the contractor only. |
