Sep
28
How to Select a Contractor
Filed Under Home Improvement | Comments Off
Dan Fritschen asked:
Whether you are remodeling, constructing an addition or making repairs to your house, it is important to know how to select a contractor who is right for the job and right for you. Contractor scams are one of the most frequently reported problems in the construction business. There are, however, a number of things you can do before you hire a contractor that will make the entire experience safer, more efficient, and less expensive in the long run.
The very first rule of hiring a contractor, especially if you need to make repairs after a fire, flood, or other natural disaster, is this: Never, ever hire anyone who comes to your door or calls you on the phone to offer their services. Legitimate, experienced, licensed contractors do not do business this way.
The first step in selecting a contractor is to begin with a clear understanding of the work you want done in your home. At the very least, think through what you want done and what you do not want done. A better idea is to write out on paper exactly what you want done. Define the project, set limits on the project, and try to describe how the completed work will look.
Second, get estimates. Select three to five contractors who do the kind of work you need. Have each of them come to your home and provide a written estimate of the cost of the work.
How do you decide who to ask for estimates? There are several ways to identify contractors:
* As friends, relatives, or neighbors if they have had similar work done. As them which contractor they used and if they were satisfied with the work.
* Use a referral service. These businesses pre-screen and certify the contractors they recommend. There are a number of internet referral services and services you can contact by telephone.
* Call your homeowners insurance agent and ask if there are local contractors with whom they have had good experiences.
* The last resort is to use the telephone book.
Call the contractors on your list. Confirm that they do the kind of work you need done, and ask if they provide free estimates. Most contractors will provide free estimates. While making this initial contact, confirm that they are licensed and insured. If they answer “no” to any of these questions, simply thank them for talking with you and move on to the next person on your list. Take notes on your conversations, carefully keeping information organized for each contractor. Be sure that you have at least three contractors scheduled to provide estimates.
When the contractor comes to your home, explain the work you want done. Ask the contractor to outline the best way to achieve your goals. Continue to take notes on your conversations. Ask the contractor to provide a detailed written estimate of the project, including any guarantees he/she makes or any statements about particular types of materials recommended. Thank the contractor for his/her time and set a time when you will notify him/her of your decision. This is also the appropriate time to ask for references, ask to see his/her license and proof of insurance. Check out any references provided by a contractor. You might also ask the contractor to identify recent similar work in the area. Go and look at those sites. If possible, ask those customers if they are happy with the work. Some of the questions you might want to ask these people include:
* Were you able to communicate easily with the contractor?
* Was the quality of the work satisfactory?
* Was the promised schedule maintained?
* Were your questions, complaints, or problems resolved quickly?
* Were the members of the work crew polite, neat, and respectful of your home and family?
* Would you use this contractor again?
When you have all of the estimates (at least 3), compare them carefully. Compare the estimates for more than price. Compare the details on the quality of materials, the quality of the work. Then rank the estimates in your mind.
The next step is to investigate the contractor and the information he/she has provided. Call the contractor’s insurance company to confirm that the insurance has not lapsed. Call the state licensing board to ensure the license is effective and that it has never been revoked for any reason. Check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure there have been no complaints against the contractor.
Finally, trust your instincts. If there is something about a contractor that doesn’t sound right or feel right, if something in the contractor’s behavior while in your home doesn’t feel professional, or if you just don’t trust one of the contractors who provided an estimate, don’t hire that contractor.
Now, make your final evaluation of all the information you have gathered. If the contractors are all reputable and they are proposing to complete the job in essentially the same way with the same quality of materials, their bids should be relatively close in price. If they are not, you need to ask yourself why one of the bids is significantly higher or lower than the others.
Once you have made your decision, notify the contractors you did not select for the job. Call and award the job to the contractor you have selected and request a written contract that specifies all of the details that made you select him/her, such as higher quality materials, better guarantee on the work, etc. Establish a start date for the project and an expected completion date. These dates should be included in the contract.
Remember this warning signs of disreputable contractors:
* They do not provide contracts for the work
* They do not guarantee the price of the job
* They give no definite date to begin or end the job
* They ask for money in advance of doing the job
* They are uncertain of how long it will take to complete the work
* They have no license or insurance
* They contact you first
Asking the right questions, checking facts, comparing estimates, and feeling comfortable with the contractor, should make your remodel or repair a safe and pleasant experience.
Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing
BOBBIE
Whether you are remodeling, constructing an addition or making repairs to your house, it is important to know how to select a contractor who is right for the job and right for you. Contractor scams are one of the most frequently reported problems in the construction business. There are, however, a number of things you can do before you hire a contractor that will make the entire experience safer, more efficient, and less expensive in the long run.
The very first rule of hiring a contractor, especially if you need to make repairs after a fire, flood, or other natural disaster, is this: Never, ever hire anyone who comes to your door or calls you on the phone to offer their services. Legitimate, experienced, licensed contractors do not do business this way.
The first step in selecting a contractor is to begin with a clear understanding of the work you want done in your home. At the very least, think through what you want done and what you do not want done. A better idea is to write out on paper exactly what you want done. Define the project, set limits on the project, and try to describe how the completed work will look.
Second, get estimates. Select three to five contractors who do the kind of work you need. Have each of them come to your home and provide a written estimate of the cost of the work.
How do you decide who to ask for estimates? There are several ways to identify contractors:
* As friends, relatives, or neighbors if they have had similar work done. As them which contractor they used and if they were satisfied with the work.
________________________________________________________________________
* Use a referral service. These businesses pre-screen and certify the contractors they recommend. There are a number of internet referral services and services you can contact by telephone.
* Call your homeowners insurance agent and ask if there are local contractors with whom they have had good experiences.
* The last resort is to use the telephone book.
Call the contractors on your list. Confirm that they do the kind of work you need done, and ask if they provide free estimates. Most contractors will provide free estimates. While making this initial contact, confirm that they are licensed and insured. If they answer “no” to any of these questions, simply thank them for talking with you and move on to the next person on your list. Take notes on your conversations, carefully keeping information organized for each contractor. Be sure that you have at least three contractors scheduled to provide estimates.
When the contractor comes to your home, explain the work you want done. Ask the contractor to outline the best way to achieve your goals. Continue to take notes on your conversations. Ask the contractor to provide a detailed written estimate of the project, including any guarantees he/she makes or any statements about particular types of materials recommended. Thank the contractor for his/her time and set a time when you will notify him/her of your decision. This is also the appropriate time to ask for references, ask to see his/her license and proof of insurance. Check out any references provided by a contractor. You might also ask the contractor to identify recent similar work in the area. Go and look at those sites. If possible, ask those customers if they are happy with the work. Some of the questions you might want to ask these people include:
* Were you able to communicate easily with the contractor?
* Was the quality of the work satisfactory?
* Was the promised schedule maintained?
* Were your questions, complaints, or problems resolved quickly?
* Were the members of the work crew polite, neat, and respectful of your home and family?
* Would you use this contractor again?
When you have all of the estimates (at least 3), compare them carefully. Compare the estimates for more than price. Compare the details on the quality of materials, the quality of the work. Then rank the estimates in your mind.
The next step is to investigate the contractor and the information he/she has provided. Call the contractor’s insurance company to confirm that the insurance has not lapsed. Call the state licensing board to ensure the license is effective and that it has never been revoked for any reason. Check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure there have been no complaints against the contractor.
Finally, trust your instincts. If there is something about a contractor that doesn’t sound right or feel right, if something in the contractor’s behavior while in your home doesn’t feel professional, or if you just don’t trust one of the contractors who provided an estimate, don’t hire that contractor.
Now, make your final evaluation of all the information you have gathered. If the contractors are all reputable and they are proposing to complete the job in essentially the same way with the same quality of materials, their bids should be relatively close in price. If they are not, you need to ask yourself why one of the bids is significantly higher or lower than the others.
Once you have made your decision, notify the contractors you did not select for the job. Call and award the job to the contractor you have selected and request a written contract that specifies all of the details that made you select him/her, such as higher quality materials, better guarantee on the work, etc. Establish a start date for the project and an expected completion date. These dates should be included in the contract.
Remember this warning signs of disreputable contractors:
* They do not provide contracts for the work
* They do not guarantee the price of the job
* They give no definite date to begin or end the job
* They ask for money in advance of doing the job
* They are uncertain of how long it will take to complete the work
* They have no license or insurance
* They contact you first
Asking the right questions, checking facts, comparing estimates, and feeling comfortable with the contractor, should make your remodel or repair a safe and pleasant experience.
Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing
BOBBIE
Sep
28
What happens if a building contractor gets caught without a permit?
Filed Under Law & Ethics | Comments Off
Alex asked:
I am having an argument with a friend and he says nothing will happen if his dad gets caught building without a permit. What is the law if a contractor gets caught without a permit in Florida.
GAIL
________________________________________________________________________
I am having an argument with a friend and he says nothing will happen if his dad gets caught building without a permit. What is the law if a contractor gets caught without a permit in Florida.
GAIL
Sep
25
Why do home contractor over-extend themselves accepting new jobs?
Filed Under Maintenance & Repairs | Comments Off
babie_boomah asked:
I had a contractor once that was always putting off doing the work because he “had to go look at another job.” This happened about 10 times. Why do they spend so much time looking for other jobs when they should be doing the ones for which they are hired? I finally got fed up and told him to forget it. He responded that I had no idea how the contracting business worked. So, how does it work?
JEREMIAH
________________________________________________________________________
I had a contractor once that was always putting off doing the work because he “had to go look at another job.” This happened about 10 times. Why do they spend so much time looking for other jobs when they should be doing the ones for which they are hired? I finally got fed up and told him to forget it. He responded that I had no idea how the contracting business worked. So, how does it work?
JEREMIAH
Sep
25
10 Characteristics of a Quality Painting Contractor
Filed Under Home And Family | Comments Off
Nicky Taylor asked:
erated a painting contractor and repair business for 26 years, I have heard many reasons given by homeowners for going with the cheaper price. It’s not uncommon for me to get calls from homeowners who realize they made a mistake and wish they had paid a little more for quality service. Many wish they had investigated their contractor more before deciding to use them.
What I have found through the years is that most homeowners do not know how to properly evaluate painting contractors before hiring them. Just because a contractor is cheaper doesn’t mean you’re getting your money’s worth. When it comes to hiring contractors, cheaper priced services often end up costing you a lot more. With the high cost of labor and materials, profit margins aren’t that great in the painting industry. Real cheap services in the painting industry are cheap for a reason. Quality and value of services are being cut.
Better qualify your contractors with the following 10 conditions.
1. Find out how long the contractor has been doing business in your area. Instability is common in this industry. Some painting contractors work a few years in an area then start to feel the heat from dissatisfied customers, so they move on to another city and start the whole process over again. If a contractor has been working in an area for 10 or more years, generally it is an indication of stability.
2. Does the Contractor pay his help by the hour or on a percentage basis? When I first started my business in 1982, I paid my painters by the hour. After about 7 years of paying by the hour and being dissatisfied with their performance, I decided to switch to paying on a percentage basis. I found I could get higher quality work in half the time. The painters have an improved mindset when being paid on a percentage basis. The painters now have a special interest in the quality and timeliness of their work. Better performance means a smaller punch list at the end of the job and in less time, resulting in better pay. Be sure and ask the contractor this question. This is merely a suggestion. Obviously, there are some painters that work by the hour that have a good work ethic. I personally will never go back to working men by the hour. I have been able to provide a higher quality service overall since paying on a percentage basis.
3. Does the Contractor present a well written and organized contract to sign that outlines what he is going to do? This is a good indication of how organized he is. If he is well organized, in most cases it will carry over to his crews. Well organize people are very uncomfortable with disorganization and generally will work to maintain well organized projects and crews.
4. Does the contractor expect a deposite before starting the project? Although the size of a project may dictate whether a deposit is appropriate or not, for the average size painting and repair project ($3,000 to $8,000) I strongly recommend not paying a deposit. The ability of the painting contractor to finance the project is an indication of financial stability and more importantly his desire to operate at peak performance making sure you are happy. I have heard many stories through the years of homeowners who have given the deposit only to have the contractor leave after a day or two of work never to be seen again.
5. How well has the contractor communicated with you since the first time you contacted him? Is he prompt in his response to your questions and request? Most quality professional contractors put a premium on communication. This is another indication of the core values, by which he operates. During your project, you will definitely want good communication.
6. Are the painters working for the contractor covered by workman’s comp? Be sure of this because many painters say they have liability insurance, but liability insurance is not the same thing as workmen comp and will not cover the painters if they are injured on the job. Another consideraton is how well the contractor has insured his crews against injury. Some contractors pay their crews under the table and there is no history that the insurance companies can verify. They may not cover the crews in such cases. This can put you at considerable financial risk. This is another indication of the core values that govern the contractor’s performance. Contact his insurance company and ask these questions.
7. Be sure and check their references. Even though they will give you their best references, you can still get a feel for qualities such as neatness, timeliness, communication, and overall opinion of quality of the job. Keep in mind though, everybody has their own opinion of what constitutes a quality job so don’t decide based solely on their references.
8. Be leery of the aggressive cut throat, as they are more volume oriented. They have to bang out as many houses as they can to turn any kind of profit. In most cases there aren’t any core values driving the quality of their work. You only stand to suffer from this type of contractor.
9. Make sure it is understood there is to be a walk through between you and the head of the crew to take care of touch ups and any issues before you pay for the services. This is crucial, both for you and the contractor. It assures that you are happy with their work and helps eliminate warranty issues for the contractor, saving him time and money. Seasoned contractors who really care about their customers know that this is the best approach for finalizing a project.
10. You should also check for the following obvious things: a business license, Better Business Bureau for unsettled complaints, how long they have been in business, how many crews work for them, written and detailed warranties
Always put quality first. Putting a little extra time into qualifying your painting contractors will pay off handsomely. You will have fewer headaches during the project. You will have a better looking home with a paint job that last longer.
GABRIEL
erated a painting contractor and repair business for 26 years, I have heard many reasons given by homeowners for going with the cheaper price. It’s not uncommon for me to get calls from homeowners who realize they made a mistake and wish they had paid a little more for quality service. Many wish they had investigated their contractor more before deciding to use them.
What I have found through the years is that most homeowners do not know how to properly evaluate painting contractors before hiring them. Just because a contractor is cheaper doesn’t mean you’re getting your money’s worth. When it comes to hiring contractors, cheaper priced services often end up costing you a lot more. With the high cost of labor and materials, profit margins aren’t that great in the painting industry. Real cheap services in the painting industry are cheap for a reason. Quality and value of services are being cut.
Better qualify your contractors with the following 10 conditions.
1. Find out how long the contractor has been doing business in your area. Instability is common in this industry. Some painting contractors work a few years in an area then start to feel the heat from dissatisfied customers, so they move on to another city and start the whole process over again. If a contractor has been working in an area for 10 or more years, generally it is an indication of stability.
2. Does the Contractor pay his help by the hour or on a percentage basis? When I first started my business in 1982, I paid my painters by the hour. After about 7 years of paying by the hour and being dissatisfied with their performance, I decided to switch to paying on a percentage basis. I found I could get higher quality work in half the time. The painters have an improved mindset when being paid on a percentage basis. The painters now have a special interest in the quality and timeliness of their work. Better performance means a smaller punch list at the end of the job and in less time, resulting in better pay. Be sure and ask the contractor this question. This is merely a suggestion. Obviously, there are some painters that work by the hour that have a good work ethic. I personally will never go back to working men by the hour. I have been able to provide a higher quality service overall since paying on a percentage basis.
3. Does the Contractor present a well written and organized contract to sign that outlines what he is going to do? This is a good indication of how organized he is. If he is well organized, in most cases it will carry over to his crews. Well organize people are very uncomfortable with disorganization and generally will work to maintain well organized projects and crews.
4. Does the contractor expect a deposite before starting the project? Although the size of a project may dictate whether a deposit is appropriate or not, for the average size painting and repair project ($3,000 to $8,000) I strongly recommend not paying a deposit. The ability of the painting contractor to finance the project is an indication of financial stability and more importantly his desire to operate at peak performance making sure you are happy. I have heard many stories through the years of homeowners who have given the deposit only to have the contractor leave after a day or two of work never to be seen again.
5. How well has the contractor communicated with you since the first time you contacted him? Is he prompt in his response to your questions and request? Most quality professional contractors put a premium on communication. This is another indication of the core values, by which he operates. During your project, you will definitely want good communication.
6. Are the painters working for the contractor covered by workman’s comp? Be sure of this because many painters say they have liability insurance, but liability insurance is not the same thing as workmen comp and will not cover the painters if they are injured on the job. Another consideraton is how well the contractor has insured his crews against injury. Some contractors pay their crews under the table and there is no history that the insurance companies can verify. They may not cover the crews in such cases. This can put you at considerable financial risk. This is another indication of the core values that govern the contractor’s performance. Contact his insurance company and ask these questions.
7. Be sure and check their references. Even though they will give you their best references, you can still get a feel for qualities such as neatness, timeliness, communication, and overall opinion of quality of the job. Keep in mind though, everybody has their own opinion of what constitutes a quality job so don’t decide based solely on their references.
8. Be leery of the aggressive cut throat, as they are more volume oriented. They have to bang out as many houses as they can to turn any kind of profit. In most cases there aren’t any core values driving the quality of their work. You only stand to suffer from this type of contractor.
9. Make sure it is understood there is to be a walk through between you and the head of the crew to take care of touch ups and any issues before you pay for the services. This is crucial, both for you and the contractor. It assures that you are happy with their work and helps eliminate warranty issues for the contractor, saving him time and money. Seasoned contractors who really care about their customers know that this is the best approach for finalizing a project.
10. You should also check for the following obvious things: a business license, Better Business Bureau for unsettled complaints, how long they have been in business, how many crews work for them, written and detailed warranties
Always put quality first. Putting a little extra time into qualifying your painting contractors will pay off handsomely. You will have fewer headaches during the project. You will have a better looking home with a paint job that last longer.
GABRIEL
Sep
23
Choosing a Contractor That Fits Your Needs
Filed Under Home And Family | Comments Off
Adrian Adams asked:
When it comes to entering a major construction job for your backyard or you want a new look for your kitchen, many homeowners most often need professional help to get their projects going in the right direction. This is when choosing a contractor becomes an important part of realizing the home improvement needs you have set for yourself.
The type of project you wish to complete for your residence will help determine the kind of help you will need to enlist. For example, larger goals require the assistance of a general contractor, while less involved tasks call for the aid of subcontractors.
When homeowners are looking to add an extra room to their house or upgrade their landscape complete with pool, a general contractor should be contacted. The general contractor will head the entire project, acting as the primary coordinator. They are responsible for hiring the appropriate subcontractors to fulfill project goals. After delegating the proper tasks to relevant subcontractors, a general contractor will then manage their progress. Major renovations and building new homes will usually demand the expertise of a general contractor.
When hiring a general contractor, you will establish a contract with them, meaning they’ll be the only worker you are responsible for paying. The general contractor pays any subcontractors that they hire, as they will be under contract to them and not the homeowner.
For every aspect of home improvement, there is a subcontractor who is knowledgeable in one or more specific fields. Depending on the type of remodeling or home expansion projects you have in mind, you may call upon the following subcontractor options: electricians, plumbers, excavators, water proofers, foundation wall repairers, carpenters, floorers, or painters.
Tips on Choosing a Contractor
As you inch your way closer and closer to a construction job or remodeling adventure, choosing a contractor is an important part of completing a successful project. As you listen to the experiences of family and friends, or sift through the Yellow Pages, you probably need a little assistance in making this decision a beneficial choice. Below you will find a few areas of interest to consider when it comes time to select a contractor.
After deciding to enhance the look and feel of your house, you should gather a few listings of contractors before settling on one. Need help finding a contractor? While general, as well as sub-contractors advertise in the newspaper, telephone book, and the Internet, there are also professional organizations, such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), as well as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), who can locate worthy contractors.
Once you’ve narrowed down potential contractors, you should check out how he or she conducts their business. For starters, you may contact the local Better Business Bureau to see if any former clients have placed a complaint against them. Also, visiting a job site allows you to see the contractor work on current projects. During a visit, it is important to note the safety, cleanliness, neatness, and conduct of the worker(s). This is a telling sign as to how your home improvement project might be handled.
If you like what you see and have learned after conducting research, you should make an office visit or place a telephone call to potential contractors. When carrying out an interview, you should ask questions that pertain to the size of your project; financial limitations; timelines; dates; scheduling; liability insurance; workers’ compensation; licenses and certificates; and previous clients and job experience.
During the selection process, you should ask to see the licenses of potential contractors. You should also know that an occupational license is not acceptable enough to reward a construction project. To get an idea of the type of work they may offer, you should request and contact the references of past customers. When inquiring on payment terms, avoid contractors who ask to be paid in cash or demand large payments before any work is completed.
Once you choose a contractor, it is important to stay on top of their actions. For instance, it is essential to make sure your contractor obtains all of the appropriate permits for major jobs. If your home improvement project involves the addition of a room; creating a second story; or remodeling major areas, it is rather key to choose a contractor that is qualified enough for the job. This means checking credentials and scrutinizing their past work history. Also, before any work is started, a clear and fair contract should be drawn up and signed, which is one of the best ways to protect both the interests of homeowner and contractor.
GUY
When it comes to entering a major construction job for your backyard or you want a new look for your kitchen, many homeowners most often need professional help to get their projects going in the right direction. This is when choosing a contractor becomes an important part of realizing the home improvement needs you have set for yourself.
The type of project you wish to complete for your residence will help determine the kind of help you will need to enlist. For example, larger goals require the assistance of a general contractor, while less involved tasks call for the aid of subcontractors.
When homeowners are looking to add an extra room to their house or upgrade their landscape complete with pool, a general contractor should be contacted. The general contractor will head the entire project, acting as the primary coordinator. They are responsible for hiring the appropriate subcontractors to fulfill project goals. After delegating the proper tasks to relevant subcontractors, a general contractor will then manage their progress. Major renovations and building new homes will usually demand the expertise of a general contractor.
When hiring a general contractor, you will establish a contract with them, meaning they’ll be the only worker you are responsible for paying. The general contractor pays any subcontractors that they hire, as they will be under contract to them and not the homeowner.
For every aspect of home improvement, there is a subcontractor who is knowledgeable in one or more specific fields. Depending on the type of remodeling or home expansion projects you have in mind, you may call upon the following subcontractor options: electricians, plumbers, excavators, water proofers, foundation wall repairers, carpenters, floorers, or painters.
Tips on Choosing a Contractor
As you inch your way closer and closer to a construction job or remodeling adventure, choosing a contractor is an important part of completing a successful project. As you listen to the experiences of family and friends, or sift through the Yellow Pages, you probably need a little assistance in making this decision a beneficial choice. Below you will find a few areas of interest to consider when it comes time to select a contractor.
After deciding to enhance the look and feel of your house, you should gather a few listings of contractors before settling on one. Need help finding a contractor? While general, as well as sub-contractors advertise in the newspaper, telephone book, and the Internet, there are also professional organizations, such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), as well as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), who can locate worthy contractors.
Once you’ve narrowed down potential contractors, you should check out how he or she conducts their business. For starters, you may contact the local Better Business Bureau to see if any former clients have placed a complaint against them. Also, visiting a job site allows you to see the contractor work on current projects. During a visit, it is important to note the safety, cleanliness, neatness, and conduct of the worker(s). This is a telling sign as to how your home improvement project might be handled.
If you like what you see and have learned after conducting research, you should make an office visit or place a telephone call to potential contractors. When carrying out an interview, you should ask questions that pertain to the size of your project; financial limitations; timelines; dates; scheduling; liability insurance; workers’ compensation; licenses and certificates; and previous clients and job experience.
During the selection process, you should ask to see the licenses of potential contractors. You should also know that an occupational license is not acceptable enough to reward a construction project. To get an idea of the type of work they may offer, you should request and contact the references of past customers. When inquiring on payment terms, avoid contractors who ask to be paid in cash or demand large payments before any work is completed.
Once you choose a contractor, it is important to stay on top of their actions. For instance, it is essential to make sure your contractor obtains all of the appropriate permits for major jobs. If your home improvement project involves the addition of a room; creating a second story; or remodeling major areas, it is rather key to choose a contractor that is qualified enough for the job. This means checking credentials and scrutinizing their past work history. Also, before any work is started, a clear and fair contract should be drawn up and signed, which is one of the best ways to protect both the interests of homeowner and contractor.
GUY
Sep
23
How long is my general Contractor liable for his work?
Filed Under Maintenance & Repairs | Comments Off
2754LIFE asked:
3 years ago we purchased a newly built house by a private contractor. Recently we noticed the roof was leaking. The cause of the leak was a improperly installed/missing flashing, which lead to major water damage behind the wall and fungus growing out of the carpet. The contractor subbed the roof out to roofers who were a) not liscenced and b) are no longer in business. We want the GC to pay for the repair, he refuses…is he liable for the repair?
GIOVANNI
3 years ago we purchased a newly built house by a private contractor. Recently we noticed the roof was leaking. The cause of the leak was a improperly installed/missing flashing, which lead to major water damage behind the wall and fungus growing out of the carpet. The contractor subbed the roof out to roofers who were a) not liscenced and b) are no longer in business. We want the GC to pay for the repair, he refuses…is he liable for the repair?
GIOVANNI
Sep
23
Contractor?
Filed Under Small Business | Comments Off
babaass asked:
I hired a contractor to do a fire damaged duplex unit. He told me in the beginning that there would be no money out of pocket. I do not have full replacement cost coverage on my insurance. We agreed for the contract price, plus the supplement checks that come in. Now he is telling me that I owe for the deprecation as well. This was not our agreement. Do I have to pay this? No, it was not written in the contract. I want to also know if the 20% overhead & profit is built into this. He also has not completed this job and it has been going on for 8 months on a small duplex unit. Can I finish it myself and deduct this from the contract amount?
KIRBY
I hired a contractor to do a fire damaged duplex unit. He told me in the beginning that there would be no money out of pocket. I do not have full replacement cost coverage on my insurance. We agreed for the contract price, plus the supplement checks that come in. Now he is telling me that I owe for the deprecation as well. This was not our agreement. Do I have to pay this? No, it was not written in the contract. I want to also know if the 20% overhead & profit is built into this. He also has not completed this job and it has been going on for 8 months on a small duplex unit. Can I finish it myself and deduct this from the contract amount?
KIRBY
Sep
22
Logh - The Contractor And The Assassin (live 21-8-2007)
Filed Under Music | Comments Off
np02058 asked:
Logh live at malmö festival 21-8-2007
STEVEN
Sep
22
How to Find a Good Contractor
Filed Under Gardening | Comments Off
Sarah Taylor asked:
We know how difficult and frustrating it can be to find an experienced, qualified contractor or tradesmen/women! I am sure most of you have heard many horror stories from friends and family and most of them have probably been true! But it doesn’t have to be that way. While it’s not easy to find a competent, ethical, do-right contractor to work on your home or business, it CAN be done so read on for some practical advice! Real world information is very hard to find when you are starting your search. Newspapers and and magazine articles mean well but none of them are able to provide you with real testimonials and experiences of previous customers who worked with any particular contractor.
We have put together a quick checklist for you below:
GET REFERRALS!
The best way to start is through friends and family. However, these referrals need to be qualified and checked as well. For example, your friend might have used a great contractor for her garage addition but may have no idea whether the company is also experienced in kitchen cabinets and tile replacement. You need to find out whether the referred company is also experienced in the specific job you are interesting in getting done.
Hardware stores and material manufacturers are also a good resource. But once again, make sure you check references and portfolios.
Engineers, architects and other contractors in similar industries are also an excellent resource. Once again, check all references and experience regardless of how good the referral sounds.
Spend some time and research each candidate. Check with the search engines for anything you may find. And most important of all, trust your instincts.
PREPARE BUDGETS AND SPECIFICATIONS
If you are serious about finding a good contractor, it will be important for you to be realistic about your budget and the work you can afford to complete.
Any professional contractor and tradesperson will appreciate the fact that you have prepared your specifications in advance and will be more responsive as a result. He/she will also be able to quickly determine if you can afford what you want, will help determine how much of what you want is possible with your budget and you’ll have the assurance that everyone you’re interviewing is pricing the same job. Many times, contractors seem unreliable or unresponsive because customers do not seem serious about the work they need done or have no idea how much things will really cost. Do your homework in advance and you will get a much better response.
CHECK REFERENCES!
We CANNOT stress enough how important this step is!! Before you give your final word and sign on the dotted line, make sure you follow these steps:
Make sure your contractor is INSURED for both Worker’s Compensation and General Liability. Don’t take the contractor’s word or accept a copy of an insurance binder from the contractor. The only secure way is to get the name of the contractor’s insurance carrier, look the number up in the phone book yourself, then call and ask for a Certificate of Insurance. The carrier will be happy to send you one in the mail.
Check the contractor’s professional associations. For example, contractors who are members of NARI (The National Association of the Remodeling Industry) are usually the type who take pride in their professional credentials.
Find out how long the contractor has been in business. Many small businesses go out of business in less than a year. Make sure your contractor doesn’t run out of capital on your job.
Call the company’s bank and find out whether their account has been handled responsibly.
Find out how long the contractor has been working with his crew? A long-time crew is a sign that your contractor treats his workers well and that there should be no revolving door on your project. You want to avoid the “learning curve” new employees bring to a project in progress as much as possible.
Find out what will be handled by the contractor’s staff and what will be subcontracted? Get names of the subcontractors and call them. Ask if the contractor pays on time? How reliable is he? Also ask for the names of suppliers and check out the contractor with them.
Find out how many other projects the contractor will be working on simultaneously if you choose to hire him/her. Will the contractor be able to devote the time you need to your project?
Ask the contractor to provide you with references of projects similar to yours and call them up.D id the job stay within budget and on schedule? Was the site kept clean? Did the contractor pay his bills? Would you work with this contractor again? Ask if you can visit to see the results of the project.
And finally, just like anything, go with your gut feeling. For more info on how to find a good contractors, come back for the second part of this article where we will discuss how to negotiate a good contract before beginning the work!
Good luck and happy building and remodeling.
EVERETT
We know how difficult and frustrating it can be to find an experienced, qualified contractor or tradesmen/women! I am sure most of you have heard many horror stories from friends and family and most of them have probably been true! But it doesn’t have to be that way. While it’s not easy to find a competent, ethical, do-right contractor to work on your home or business, it CAN be done so read on for some practical advice! Real world information is very hard to find when you are starting your search. Newspapers and and magazine articles mean well but none of them are able to provide you with real testimonials and experiences of previous customers who worked with any particular contractor.
We have put together a quick checklist for you below:
GET REFERRALS!
The best way to start is through friends and family. However, these referrals need to be qualified and checked as well. For example, your friend might have used a great contractor for her garage addition but may have no idea whether the company is also experienced in kitchen cabinets and tile replacement. You need to find out whether the referred company is also experienced in the specific job you are interesting in getting done.
Hardware stores and material manufacturers are also a good resource. But once again, make sure you check references and portfolios.
Engineers, architects and other contractors in similar industries are also an excellent resource. Once again, check all references and experience regardless of how good the referral sounds.
Spend some time and research each candidate. Check with the search engines for anything you may find. And most important of all, trust your instincts.
PREPARE BUDGETS AND SPECIFICATIONS
If you are serious about finding a good contractor, it will be important for you to be realistic about your budget and the work you can afford to complete.
Any professional contractor and tradesperson will appreciate the fact that you have prepared your specifications in advance and will be more responsive as a result. He/she will also be able to quickly determine if you can afford what you want, will help determine how much of what you want is possible with your budget and you’ll have the assurance that everyone you’re interviewing is pricing the same job. Many times, contractors seem unreliable or unresponsive because customers do not seem serious about the work they need done or have no idea how much things will really cost. Do your homework in advance and you will get a much better response.
CHECK REFERENCES!
We CANNOT stress enough how important this step is!! Before you give your final word and sign on the dotted line, make sure you follow these steps:
Make sure your contractor is INSURED for both Worker’s Compensation and General Liability. Don’t take the contractor’s word or accept a copy of an insurance binder from the contractor. The only secure way is to get the name of the contractor’s insurance carrier, look the number up in the phone book yourself, then call and ask for a Certificate of Insurance. The carrier will be happy to send you one in the mail.
Check the contractor’s professional associations. For example, contractors who are members of NARI (The National Association of the Remodeling Industry) are usually the type who take pride in their professional credentials.
Find out how long the contractor has been in business. Many small businesses go out of business in less than a year. Make sure your contractor doesn’t run out of capital on your job.
Call the company’s bank and find out whether their account has been handled responsibly.
Find out how long the contractor has been working with his crew? A long-time crew is a sign that your contractor treats his workers well and that there should be no revolving door on your project. You want to avoid the “learning curve” new employees bring to a project in progress as much as possible.
Find out what will be handled by the contractor’s staff and what will be subcontracted? Get names of the subcontractors and call them. Ask if the contractor pays on time? How reliable is he? Also ask for the names of suppliers and check out the contractor with them.
Find out how many other projects the contractor will be working on simultaneously if you choose to hire him/her. Will the contractor be able to devote the time you need to your project?
Ask the contractor to provide you with references of projects similar to yours and call them up.D id the job stay within budget and on schedule? Was the site kept clean? Did the contractor pay his bills? Would you work with this contractor again? Ask if you can visit to see the results of the project.
And finally, just like anything, go with your gut feeling. For more info on how to find a good contractors, come back for the second part of this article where we will discuss how to negotiate a good contract before beginning the work!
Good luck and happy building and remodeling.
EVERETT
Sep
21
What are my options if a contractor does not honor his contract?
Filed Under Maintenance & Repairs | Comments Off
tabby90 asked:
In North Carolina, if a roofing contractor did not complete the job satisfactorily and I have a contract with a lifetime guarantee and my roof is leaking still three months after the job is supposedly done… what agencies can I report him to?
WALLACE
In North Carolina, if a roofing contractor did not complete the job satisfactorily and I have a contract with a lifetime guarantee and my roof is leaking still three months after the job is supposedly done… what agencies can I report him to?
WALLACE